Single-use food preparation container assembly, system and method

ABSTRACT

A product preparation system and method wherein a single-use product container assembly and a multiple motion intelligent driving device are employed to process contents of the container assembly.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The following patent applications are related to the subject matter ofthe present application and the disclosure thereof is herebyincorporated by reference and priority thereof is hereby claims pursuantto 37 C.F.R. 1.78(a)(1):

U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/364,491, filed Jul. 20, 2016and entitled CUP WITH INTEGRATED BLENDING FUNCTIONALITY;

U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/383,639, filed Sep. 6, 2016and entitled FOOD PRODUCT PREPARATION SYSTEM; and

U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/533,743, filed Jul. 18, 2017and entitled SINGLE-USE FOOD PREPARATION CONTAINER ASSEMBLIES, SYSTEMSAND METHODS.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to computerized and automated processingof products, preferably food products, within a single use-container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various types of devices for computerized processing of products,including food products are known.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention seeks to provide an improved product preparationcontainer assembly which is suitable for being processed by anintelligent driving device. The product preparation container assemblyand the intelligent driving device together define a product preparationsystem which is particularly suitable for use with food products but isnot limited to use therewith.

There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention a single-use product preparation container assemblyincluding:

a container body for containing a product prior to, during and followingpreparation thereof; and

a single-use container body closure assembly defining with the containerbody a product preparation enclosure and including an externallyrotatably drivable rotary product engagement assembly characterized inthat:

-   -   it limits ingress therethrough of contaminants from outside into        the product preparation enclosure;    -   it limits egress therethrough of product from the enclosure; and    -   it limits contamination of product in the enclosure by        disengaged components thereof

There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention a single-use food product storage, preparation andconsumption container assembly including:

a container body for containing a food product prior to, during andfollowing food preparation; and

a single-use container body closure assembly defining with the containerbody a product preparation enclosure, the single-use container bodyclosure assembly normally remaining fully attached to the single-usecontainer body prior to, during and following food preparation, thesingle-use container body closure assembly including at least oneselectably openable and resealable opening.

There is additionally provided in accordance with a preferred embodimentof the present invention a single-use product preparation containerassembly including:

a container body; and

a single-use container body closure assembly cooperating with thecontainer body and including a blade assembly for engaging contents ofthe container body, the blade assembly being rotatable about a rotationaxis and displaceable along the rotation axis with respect to thecontainer body at least between a first position and a second position.

There is further provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention a product preparation container assemblyincluding:

a container body; and

a container body closure assembly cooperating with the container bodyand including a rotatable blade assembly, the rotatable blade assemblybeing linearly displaceable along an axis within the container body.

There is still further provided in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention a product preparation containerassembly including: a container body;

a container body closure assembly cooperating with the container bodyand including:

-   -   a lid having a recess formed therein; and    -   a rotatable blade assembly located on the lid for engaging        contents of the container body, the blade assembly and the lid        being relatively at least linearly moveable with respect to each        other at least between a first retracted orientation wherein the        rotatable blade assembly is at least partially located within        the recess and a second extended orientation wherein the        rotatable blade assembly is outside of the recess.

There is yet further provided in accordance with a preferred embodimentof the present invention a product preparation container assemblyincluding:

a container body; and

a container body closure assembly including a lid cooperating with thecontainer body, at least one of the lid and the container body defininga mechanical indicator indicating previous disengagement of thecontainer body and the lid.

Additionally there is provided in accordance with a preferred embodimentof the present invention a product preparation container assemblyincluding:

a container body;

a container body closure assembly including a lid cooperating with thecontainer body;

a blade assembly; and

a liquid ingress/egress preventing blade mounting and rotatable sealingassembly for mounting the blade assembly onto the lid, the liquidingress/egress preventing blade mounting and rotatable sealing assemblyhaving a first static liquid sealing operative orientation and having asecond dynamic low friction liquid sealing operative orientation.

Further additionally there is provided in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention a product preparation containerassembly including:

a container body; and

a container body closure assembly including a lid cooperating with thecontainer body, the lid including at least one liquid leakage collectionreservoir.

Still additionally there is provided in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention a product preparation containerassembly including:

a container body for containing a food product prior to, during andfollowing food preparation; and

a container body closure assembly including a single-use lid for thecontainer body and defining with the container body a food preparationenclosure, the single-use lid having first and second selectablyopenable and resealable openings.

Yet additionally there is provided in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention a product preparation containerassembly including:

a container body for containing a product prior to, during and followingpreparation;

a single-use container body closure assembly defining with the containerbody a product preparation enclosure, the single-use container bodyclosure assembly including:

-   -   a lid having first and second apertures; and    -   a cover, sealingly engaging the lid and having at first and        second selectably openable and resealable aperture covers for        providing selectable resealable access to the interior of the        container body via respective the first and second apertures.

Preferably the externally rotatably drivable rotary product engagementassembly is characterized in that:

-   -   it prevents ingress therethrough of contaminants from outside        into the product preparation enclosure;    -   it limits egress therethrough of product from the enclosure; and    -   it prevents contamination of product in the enclosure by        disengaged components thereof.

Preferably, the externally rotatably drivable rotary product engagementassembly includes a blade assembly for mixing contents of the containerbody, the blade assembly being rotatable about a rotation axis anddisplaceable along the rotation axis at least between a first positionand a second position with respect to the container body.

Preferably, the blade assembly is rotatable about a rotation axis anddisplaceable along the rotation axis with respect to the container bodyat least between a first position and a second position.

Preferably, the container assembly includes a rotatable blade assemblywhich is linearly displaceable along a rotation axis with respect to thecontainer body at least between a first position and a second position.

Preferably, the lid has a recess formed therein and the blade assemblyis moveable with respect to the lid at least between a first retractedposition at least partially located within the recess and a secondextended position outside of the recess.

Preferably, the container body closure assembly defines a mechanicalindicator indicating previous disengagement of the container body andthe single-use container body closure assembly.

Preferably the externally rotatably drivable rotary engagement assemblyincludes a liquid ingress/egress preventing blade mounting and rotatablesealing assembly for mounting a blade assembly onto the container bodyclosure assembly, the liquid ingress/egress preventing blade mountingand rotatable sealing assembly having a first static liquid sealingoperative orientation and having a second dynamic low friction liquidsealing operative orientation.

Preferably the container assembly includes a liquid ingress/egresslimiting blade mounting and rotatable sealing assembly for mounting ablade assembly onto the lid, the liquid ingress/egress limiting blademounting and rotatable sealing assembly having a first static liquidsealing operative orientation and having a second dynamic low frictionliquid sealing operative orientation.

Preferably, the container body closure assembly normally remains fullyattached to the single-use container body prior to, during and followingpreparation and consumption of the product, the container body closureassembly including at least one selectably openable and sealableopening.

Preferably, the container body closure assembly includes a lidcooperating with the container body, the lid including at least oneliquid leakage collection reservoir.

Preferably, the container body closure assembly includes a single-uselid for the container body and defining with the container body a foodpreparation enclosure, the single-use lid having first and secondselectably openable and resealable openings.

Preferably, the container body closure assembly defines with thecontainer body a product preparation enclosure, the single-use containerbody closure assembly including:

-   -   a lid having first and second apertures; and    -   a cover, sealingly engaging the lid and having at first and        second selectably openable and resealable aperture covers for        providing selectable resealable access to the interior of the        container body via respective the first and second apertures.

Preferably, the single-use container body closure assembly includes anexternally rotatably drivable rotary product engagement assemblycharacterized in that:

-   -   it prevents ingress therethrough of contaminants from outside        into the product preparation enclosure;    -   it limits egress therethrough of product from the enclosure; and    -   it prevents contamination of product in the enclosure by        disengaged components thereof.

Preferably, the container body closure assembly includes a single-usecover seal and externally rotatably drivable rotary engagement assemblyproviding both human and machine sensible tamper-evident and reusepreventing fluid sealing engagement with the container body.

Preferably, the container body closure assembly is suitable for use withmultiple sizes of container bodies having an identical rimconfiguration.

Preferably, the container body closure assembly includes a cover and alid which are fixedly connected to each other.

Preferably, the container body closure assembly includes amachine-readable information source.

Preferably, the machine-readable information source contains encryptedinformation relating to required processing of contents of the containerbody.

Preferably, the container body closure assembly includes a pivotablyopenable straw ingress opening cover, including at least one humanvisually sensible tamper-evident frangible portion which is normallynecessarily broken when opening the straw ingress opening cover.

Preferably, the container body closure assembly includes an integrallyhinged liquid ingress cover including at least one human visuallysensible tamper-evident frangible portion which is normally necessarilybroken when opening the liquid ingress cover.

Preferably, the container body closure assembly includes a plurality ofintegrally hinged tamper and reuse indicating tabs

Preferably, the container body closure assembly is formed with aplurality of cut outs which enable clamping thereof to a support surfaceof a processing device.

Preferably, the container body closure assembly includes a rotary driveaperture surrounded by a multiple walled sealing structure having aplurality of leaked fluid egress apertures which communicate with one ormore sealed leaked fluid reservoir volumes.

Preferably, the multiple walled sealing structure includes at least twomutually concentric downwardly-facing recesses, which are sealinglyengaged by corresponding protrusions of an element rotating relativethereto.

Preferably walls of the recesses and of the protrusions define mutualstatic sealing surfaces.

Preferably, walls of the recesses and of the protrusions define mutualdynamic sealing surfaces.

Preferably, the container assembly contains a food product.

Preferably, the container assembly contains a frozen food product.

Preferably, container body closure assembly is opening monitorable.

Preferably, the container body closure assembly is tamper evident.

Preferably, the container body closure assembly is operable to seal aninterior of the enclosure containing a food product prior to, during andfollowing food preparation.

Preferably, the container body includes a light transmissive portionwhich allows contents thereof to be seen from the outside thereof.

Preferably, the container body includes at least one visually sensiblemarking indicating a maximum fill level therefor.

Preferably, the container body includes at least one protrusion adjacenta rim thereof for interacting with a reuse preventing tab forming partof the container body closure assembly.

Preferably, the at least one protrusion is operative to push the reusepreventing tab radially outwardly into a reuse preventing operativeorientation upon rotational engagement therewith upon removing thecontainer body closure assembly from the container body.

Preferably, the reuse preventing tab, once in the reuse preventingoperative orientation cannot readily be repositioned readially inwardly.

Preferably, the container body closure assembly includes a rotary driveaperture surrounded by a multiple walled sealing structure which islinearly shiftable from a static sealing operative orientation to adynamic sealing operative orientation.

Preferably, when the multiple walled sealing structure is in the staticsealing operational orientation, rotational movement of the bladeelement within the container body is not possible.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention there is provided a multiple motion intelligent driving deviceincluding:

a support for receiving a product container containing a product to beprocessed; and

an electric motor having a drive shaft, the drive shaft and the supportbeing mutually linearly displaceable.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the drive shaft and the support are mutually linearlydisplaceable only when the drive shaft is in at least one predeterminedazimuthal orientation relative to the support.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention there is provided a multiple motion intelligent driving deviceincluding:

a support for receiving a product container containing a product to beprocessed;

an electric motor for driving processing of the product; and

an electric motor controller for controlling operation of the electricmotor and the processing, the electric motor controller being responsiveat least to at least one sensed parameter of the processing.

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention there is provided a multiple motion intelligent driving deviceincluding:

a housing;

a product container support located within the housing

an electric motor disposed within the housing and having a drive shaft;and

a linear displacer assembly operative to selectably change a relativespatial orientation between the drive shaft and the product containersupport.

Preferably the multiple motion intelligent driving device includes:

a top housing assembly having door closed and door open operativeorientations;

a base assembly; and

a product container support and clamping assembly supported on the baseassembly and surrounded by the top housing assembly.

Preferably, the top housing assembly includes a static housing assemblyand a rotating door assembly which is rotatable relative to the statichousing assembly.

Preferably, the product container support and clamping assemblyincludes:

-   -   a product container support element;    -   a cam element and    -   a plurality of clamp elements, the support element rotatably        supporting the cam element and pivotably and slidably supporting        the plurality of clamp elements.

Preferably, the clamp element includes a planar generally rectangularportion having a radially outward-facing surface and a radiallyinward-facing surface.

Preferably, the radially outward-facing surface terminates at a radiallyinward tapered top surface of a clamping portion which defines aradially inwardly and downwardly directed clamping groove, which extendsto the radially inward-facing surface.

Preferably, the tapered top surface and the clamping groove togetherdefine a clamping engagement edge.

Preferably, the clamp element includes a planar generally rectangularportion having a cam engagement protrusion, which extends radiallyinwardly at a bottom portion of a front surface.

Preferably, the multiple motion intelligent driving device also includesa support element pivotable and slidable engagement protrusion formed onthe radially outward-facing surface.

Preferably, the multiple motion intelligent driving device also includesa tab engagement protrusion, which is configured for operativeengagement with a reuse preventing tab of a product container inresponse to clamping operation of the clamp element and consequentirreversible radially outward displacement of the reuse preventing tabinto a reuse preventing operative orientation.

Preferably, the support element includes a generally circular planarsurface which is surrounded by a raised, generally annular planar cupsupport surface.

Preferably, the support element includes a spillage channel.

Preferably, the support element includes a drive shaft accommodatingaperture, which is surrounded by an upstanding circumferential rim,thereby to help prevent leaking of spillage located on the planarsurface below support element.

Preferably, the support surface is surrounded by a tapered wall whichterminates in a circumferential planar annular top and radiallyoutwardly extending wall having a top-facing surface.

Preferably, the cam element includes a generally circular planar elementincluding:

a generally circular disk having a generally planar top surface and agenerally planar bottom surface and being formed with a centralaperture; and

a cylindrical circumferential wall surrounding the disk.

Preferably, the cylindrical circumferential wall is configured on aradially outward surface thereof with a plurality of cam channels eacharranged to operate and selectably position a clamp element.

Preferably, the plurality of cam channels are each defined by a pair ofradially outwardly extending mutually spaced circumferential walls, eachthe cam channels extending from a first location therealong to a secondlocation therealong.

Preferably, an entry location is defined upstream along each cam channelof the first location, the entry location permitting insertion of aclamp element into the cam channel.

Preferably, each of the cam channels extends circumferentially anddownwardly through approximately 100 degrees of azimuth.

Preferably, a width of each cam channel, as defined by the separationbetween the adjacent radially outward extending circumferential walls isat a maximum at the first location therealong.

Preferably, operation of the cam element in causing the clamp elementsto assume a clamping operative orientation is produced both by thedownward orientation of the cam channels from the first locations to thesecond locations and by varying the radial extent of a firstcircumferential wall defining each of the cam channels relative to theradial extend of a second circumferential wall defining each of the camchannels therealong.

Preferably, the cam channels each have a maximum width between adjacentcircumferential walls at the first location therealong so as toaccommodate radial outward biasing of the clamp element within the camchannel thereat.

Preferably, the cam channels are each constructed to have a flexiblestopper portion downstream of the entry location and upstream of thefirst location therealong to permit insertion of each clamp elementwithin a cam channel and to prevent inadvertent disengagement of theclamp element from the cam channel.

Preferably, the cam channels are each blocked at the second locationtherealong, thus preventing disengagement of the clamp element therefromat the second location.

Preferably, the multiple motion intelligent driving device also includesa generally planar annular wall surface extending radially outwardly ofthe cylindrical circumferential wall and is formed with a downwardlyfacing circumferential leakage directing protrusion.

Preferably, the base assembly includes:

a base housing;

a bottom assembly; and

a vertically displacing rotary drive motor assembly.

Preferably, the vertically displacing rotary drive motor assemblyincludes a rotary drive gear which is rotatably mounted on a motorhousing and support assembly.

Preferably, the motor housing and support assembly supports an auxiliaryrotary drive motor and encloses an axially displaceable rotary driveassembly.

Preferably, the bottom assembly has load cells mounted therein.

Preferably, the rotary drive gear is driven by the auxiliary rotarydrive motor.

Preferably, the rotary drive gear is formed on an outer circumferentialsurface thereof with a radially outwardly directed circumferentiallyextending gear train and is formed on an inner circumferential surfacethereof with a radially inwardly directed circumferentially extendinggear train.

Preferably, the gear trains have an identical pitch and are slightly outof phase.

Preferably, the motor housing and support assembly includes a topelement and a bottom element.

Preferably, the top element includes a planar wall portion from whichextends upwardly a central upstanding circumferential wall surface,which terminates at an annular generally planar wall surface, whichrotatably supports an annular surface of the rotary drive gear.

Preferably, the top element accommodates a plurality of guiding pinswhich guide the axially displaceable rotary drive assembly in verticaldisplacement relative to the motor housing and support assembly.

Preferably, the bottom element defines a plurality of spindleaccommodating channels, each of which is formed with a spindle lockingsocket for rotatably locking a spindle against vertical displacementrelative to the bottom element.

Preferably, the axially displaceable rotary drive assembly includes:

an outer drive shaft assembly;

a motor support bracket assembly;

an AC motor;

a plurality of spindles

a motor lifting element

a linear to rotary converting adaptor; and

a linearly driven rotating ventilating element.

Preferably, the outer drive shaft assembly includes an outer drive shaftlocking engagement element, which is partially seated within an outerdrive shaft housing element.

Preferably, the motor support bracket assembly includes a supportbracket element onto which is mounted an annular sealing ring.

Preferably, each of the plurality of spindles includes a gear portion ata top end thereof and a generally cylindrical portion below the gearportion, which terminates in a helically threaded portion.

Preferably, the motor lifting element includes a plurality of upstandinginternally threaded spindle receiving sockets which are disposed about agenerally planar annular wall and defining a central ventilationaperture having disposed centrally thereof a linearly displaceableventilating element positioning hub.

Preferably, the linear to rotary converting adaptor includes an outercylindrical wall and an inner cylindrical ring, arranged interiorly ofthe outer cylindrical wall adjacent the top thereof and attached theretoby integrally formed vertically extending interior ribs each of whichhave an inclined downward facing end surface.

Preferably, the linearly driven rotating ventilating element includes anouter cylindrical wall to which are connected integrally formed outeredges of a plurality of circumferentially distributed generally radiallyextending vanes and recesses retaining magnets which may serve forsensing rotational velocity of the rotating ventilating element.

Preferably, inner edges of the vanes are joined to an inner cylindricalwall, which terminates at a downward-facing edge thereof in a planar,generally circular wall having formed at a center thereof a socket,which is configured to lockably receive a bottom end of the drive shaft.

Preferably, the surrounding socket is an inner circular cylindrical walldefining an outer cylindrical wall surface and extending outwardly fromcylindrical wall surface are a pair of protrusions, each of which has aninclined upward surface and interacts with a corresponding end surfacesof a corresponding interior ribs of the linear to rotary convertingadaptor.

Preferably, interiorly of the inner circular cylindrical is acircumferential wall having a top edge defining a pair of symmetricupward facing teeth, each of which has a pair of inclined toothsurfaces, which meet at a point, the teeth interacting withcorresponding teeth of the motor lifting element thereby to ensuredesired azimuthal orientation thereof.

Preferably, upon retraction of the drive shaft, the drive shaft isrotated to ensure that it is in at least one acceptable azimuthalorientation with respect to the housing.

Preferably, prior and following operation thereof the drive shaft is ina retracted operative orientation relative to the housing.

There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention a product preparation system including:

at least one single-use product container assembly including any one ormore of the features of the container assembly set forth hereinabove;and

a multiple motion intelligent driving device, including any one or moreof the features of the intelligent driving device set forth hereinabove,for processing contents of the at least one single-use product containerassembly.

There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention a product preparation system including:

at least one single-use product container assembly; and

a multiple motion intelligent driving device, including any one or moreof the features of the intelligent driving device set forth hereinabove,for processing contents of the at least one single-use product containerassembly.

There is additionally provided in accordance with a preferred embodimentof the present invention a product preparation system including:

at least one single-use product container assembly including any one ormore of the features of the container assembly set forth hereinabove;and

a multiple motion intelligent driving device for processing contents ofthe at least one single-use product container assembly.

There is further provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention a product preparation system including:

at least one single-use product container assembly;

an intelligent driving device operative to process product contained inthe container assembly and including weight measurement apparatus whichmeasures the weight of the product in the at least one single-useproduct container assembly, the intelligent driving device including acomputerized controller which varies at least one parameter ofprocessing the product in response to the measured weight thereof.

Preferably, the computerized controller varies at least one parameter ofprocessing the product in response to the measured weight thereof whenthe measured weight exceeds at least one first limit.

Preferably, the computerized controller varies at least one parameter ofprocessing the product in response to the measured weight thereof whenthe measured weight does not exceed at least one second limit.

Preferably, the intelligent driving device is responsive to a pluralityof different control instructions associated with correspondingdifferent ones of the at least one single use product containerassembly.

Preferably, the intelligent driving device is in a first driving deviceoperative orientation, a vertically displacing rotary drive motorassembly of the intelligent driving device is in its rest position, anaxially displaceable rotary drive assembly of the intelligent drivingdevice is in its lowest vertical position, such that a motor liftingelement of the intelligent driving device is at its lowest verticalposition.

Preferably, when the vertically displacing rotary drive motor assemblyof the intelligent driving device is in the rest position, first teethof the motor lifting element operatively engage corresponding secondteeth of a linearly driven rotating ventilating element of theintelligent driving device such that inclined surfaces the first teethslidingly engage corresponding inclined surfaces of the second of teeth.

Preferably, when the intelligent driving device is in the first drivingdevice operative orientation, a linear to rotary converting adaptor isin its highest vertical position.

Preferably, when the intelligent driving device is in a second drivingdevice operative orientation, the vertically displacing rotary drivemotor assembly is in a lower intermediate position and the axiallydisplaceable rotary drive assembly is in a relatively low but not lowestvertical position, such that the motor lifting element is raised fromits lowest vertical position by operation of spindles of the intelligentdriving device while the first teeth of the motor lifting element stilloperatively engage the corresponding second teeth of the linearly drivenrotating ventilating element such that the inclined surfaces of thefirst teeth slidingly engage corresponding inclined surfaces of thesecond teeth.

Preferably, when the intelligent driving device is in the second drivingdevice operative orientation, the linear to rotary converting adaptorremains in the highest vertical position.

Preferably, raising of the motor lifting element provides correspondingraising of the motor support bracket assembly and of an AC motor of theintelligent driving device, a drive shaft of the intelligent drivingdevice is raised together with the linearly driven rotating ventilatingelement.

Preferably, when the intelligent driving device is in a third drivingdevice operative orientation, the vertically displacing rotary drivemotor assembly is in an upper intermediate position, the motor supportbracket assembly is at its highest position and the motor liftingelement is in a relatively high but not its highest vertical position.

Preferably, when the intelligent driving device is in the third drivingdevice operative orientation, the linear to rotary converting adaptorremains in the highest vertical position.

Preferably, further raising of the motor lifting element providescorresponding further raising of the motor support bracket assembly, ofthe AC motor and of the drive shaft, whereby the drive shaft is at itshighest position and the linearly driven rotating ventilating element isat its highest position, while the first teeth of the motor liftingelement still operatively engage the corresponding second teeth of thelinearly driven rotating ventilating element that inclined surfaces ofthe first teeth slidingly engage corresponding inclined surfaces of thesecond teeth.

Preferably, when the intelligent driving device is in a fourth drivingdevice operative orientation, the vertically displacing rotary drivemotor assembly is in its highest vertical position, the motor supportbracket assembly remains at its highest position and the motor liftingelement is raised to its highest vertical position.

Preferably, when the intelligent driving device is in the fourth drivingdevice operative orientation, the linear to rotary converting adaptor islowered relative to the motor lifting element.

Preferably, in the fourth driving device operative orientation, thedrive shaft remains at its highest position, the linearly drivenrotating ventilating element remains in its highest position and isdisengaged from the motor lifting element, thereby allowing rotation ofthe linearly driven rotating ventilating element relative to the motorlifting element.

Preferably, when the product container assembly and the intelligentdriving device are in a first product processing operative orientation,the product container assembly is in an upside-down unclampedorientation on a product container support surface of the intelligentdriving device in operative engagement with the intelligent drivingdevice and a door assembly of the intelligent driving device is in aclosed operative orientation.

Preferably, when the product container assembly and the intelligentdriving device are in the first product processing operativeorientation, clamp elements of the intelligent driving device are in aretracted operative orientation.

Preferably, when the product container assembly and the intelligentdriving device are in the first product processing operativeorientation, each of the clamp elements is arranged with respect to acam element of the intelligent driving device at a first location of acorresponding cam channel of the cam element, whereby the radial extentof the upper circumferential wall defining the cam channel is at amaximum, forcing the clamp element located in the cam channel at thefirst location radially outwardly, thereby enabling insertion of theproduct container assembly into upside down engagement with theintelligent driving device provided that reuse preventing tabs of theproduct container assembly are not in an outwardly extended operativeorientation.

Preferably, when the product container assembly and the intelligentdriving device are in a second product processing operative orientationthe product container assembly is in upside-down partially clampedoperative engagement with the intelligent driving device.

Preferably, when the product container assembly and the intelligentdriving device are in the second product processing operativeorientation, an auxiliary motor of the intelligent driving device is inoperative engagement with a rotary drive gear of the intelligent drivingdevice, which causes rotation of spindles of the intelligent drivingdevice to raise a motor housing and support assembly of the intelligentdriving device producing corresponding raising of an outer drive shaftassembly, while the cam element, thereby reorienting the clamp elementsan inward clamping orientation.

Preferably, when the product container assembly and the intelligentdriving device are in the second product processing operativeorientation, the outer drive shaft assembly is partially seated in adrive shaft seating recess of a blade element of the product containerassembly.

Preferably, when the product container assembly and the intelligentdriving device are in the second product processing operativeorientation, a tab engagement protrusion of at least one of the clampelements operatively engages a reuse preventing tab of the productcontainer assembly and causes irreversible radially outward displacementof the tab, thereby providing single-use functionality for the productcontainer assembly.

Preferably, when the product container assembly and the intelligentdriving device are in a third product processing operative orientationthe product container assembly is in upside-down fully clamped operativeengagement with the intelligent driving device and the outer drive shaftassembly is fully seated in a drive shaft seating recess of the bladeelement, however the blade element remains within a blade recess in theproduct container assembly.

Preferably, when the product container assembly and the intelligentdriving device are in a fourth product processing operative orientationthe product container assembly is in upside-down fully clamped operativeengagement with the intelligent driving device and the outer drive shaftassembly is fully seated in a drive shaft seating recess of the bladeelement, and the blade element is raised from within a blade recess inthe product container assembly and is free to rotate within the productcontainer assembly and thus process the contents thereof.

Preferably, at this stage, the intelligent driving device is in thefourth driving device operative orientation.

Preferably, when the product container assembly and the intelligentdriving device are in a fifth product processing operative orientationthe blade element is rotated to an azimuthal orientation which allowsthe blade element to be axially retracted into the blade recess.

Preferably, the rotation of the blade element to the azimuthalorientation which allows the blade element to be axially retracted intothe blade recess may be in either a clockwise or counterclockwisedirection.

Preferably, the rotation of the blade element to the azimuthalorientation which allows the blade element to be axially retracted intothe blade recess is produced by mechanical interaction of teeth of themotor lifting element and teeth of the linearly driven rotatingventilating element.

Preferably, the rotation is preceded by a mechanical interaction ofcorresponding surfaces of the linear to rotary converting adaptor andthe linearly driven rotating ventilating element, depending on theprecise azimuthal orientation of the blade element prior to therotation.

Preferably, when the product container assembly and the intelligentdriving device are in a sixth product processing operative orientationthe blade portion is axially retracted into the blade recess.

Preferably, when the product container assembly and the intelligentdriving device are in a seventh product processing operative orientationthe product container assembly is unclamped from the intelligent drivingdevice.

Preferably, there is provided static/dynamic sealing for prevention andor collection of liquid leaking from the product container assembly whenin an upside down state in operative orientation with the intelligentdriving device.

Preferably, the static/dynamic sealing is provided an interaction of ablade element with other portions of the product container assembly.

Preferably, when the product container assembly and the intelligentdriving device are in a first sealing operative orientation prior torotational operation of the blade element, the blade element is fullyseated in a downwardly-facing blade receiving recess of a lid formingpart of the product container assembly.

Preferably, when the product container assembly and the intelligentdriving device are in the first sealing operative orientation, theintelligent driving device is in the first intelligent driving deviceoperative orientation.

Preferably, when the product container assembly and the intelligentdriving device are in the first sealing operative orientation, a staticseal is defined by pressure engagement between static sealing surface ofthe blade element and a corresponding static sealing surface of the lid.

Preferably, when the product container assembly and the intelligentdriving device are in the first sealing operative orientation the bladeelement is mechanically locked to a cover forming part of the productcontainer assembly against linear mutual displacement therebetween.

Preferably, when the product container assembly and the intelligentdriving device are in a second sealing operative orientation, the bladeis no longer seated in the downwardly-facing blade receiving recess byvirtue of raising of the outer drive shaft assembly.

Preferably, when the product container assembly and the intelligentdriving device are in the second sealing, the intelligent driving deviceis in the fourth intelligent driving device operative orientation.

Preferably, when the product container assembly and the intelligentdriving device are in the second sealing operative orientation, a staticseal is no longer defined by pressure engagement between the staticsealing surface of the blade element and the corresponding staticsealing surface of the lid.

Preferably when the product container assembly and the intelligentdriving device are in the second sealing operative orientation, staticsealing is provided by a slight underpressure produced within the regionof walls of the blade element and walls of the lid by virtue of raisingof the blade element.

Preferably, when the product container assembly and the intelligentdriving device are in the second sealing operative orientation, staticsealing is provided by underpressure resulting from defrosting of frozencontents of the product container assembly.

Preferably, the underpressure, combined with capillary effects betweenadjacent surfaces of walls blade element and walls of resists theleakage of liquid from the interior of the product container through aregion of the product container defined by walls of the blade elementand walls of the lid.

Preferably, when the product container assembly and the intelligentdriving device are in the second sealing operative orientation, theblade element is no longer mechanically locked to the cover againstlinear mutual displacement therebetween in response to an axial forceprovided by raising of the outer drive shaft assembly.

Preferably, when the product container assembly includes leaked fluidegress apertures which communicate with sealed leaked fluid reservoirvolumes.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention there is provided a food preparation method including:

providing a single-use food preparation container assembly containing afood product and including:

-   -   a container body;    -   a single-use cover-seal for the container body and defining with        the single-use container body a food preparation enclosure; and    -   an externally rotatably drivable rotary food engagement        assembly; and

rotatably driving the rotary food engagement assembly for processing thefood product for consumption without disengaging the single-usecover-seal from the container body.

Preferably, the method includes supplying liquid to the food product viaa resealable opening communicating with the food preparation enclosure.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention there is provided a food preparation method including:

providing a product within a single-use product container assemblyincluding any one or more of the container assembly features set forthabove; and

processing the product within the single-use product container assemblyusing a multiple motion intelligent driving device including any one ormore of the driving device features set forth above.

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention there is provided a food preparation method including:

providing a product within a single-use product container assembly; and

processing the product within the single-use product container assemblyusing a multiple motion intelligent driving device including any one ormore of the driving device features set forth above.

Yet further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention there is provided a food preparation method including:

providing a product within a single-use product container assemblyincluding any of the container assembly features set forth above; and

processing the product within the single-use product container assemblyusing a multiple motion intelligent driving device.

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention there is provided a food preparation method including:

providing a product within a single-use product container assembly; and

processing the product within the single-use product container assemblyusing a multiple motion intelligent driving device;

measuring a weight of the product in the at least one single-use productcontainer assembly; and

varying at least one parameter of processing the product in response tothe measured weight thereof.

Preferably, the varying includes varying at least one parameter ofprocessing the product in response to the measured weight thereof whenthe measured weight exceeds at least one first limit.

Preferably, the varying includes varying at least one parameter ofprocessing the product in response to the measured weight thereof whenthe measured weight does not exceed at least one first limit.

Preferably, the varying includes varying at least one parameter ofprocessing the product in response to the measured weight thereof whenthe measured weight does not exceed at least one second limit.

Preferably, the at least one single-use product container assemblyincludes a product container assembly having any one or more of thecontainer assembly features set forth above.

Preferably, the intelligent driving device includes a multiple motionintelligent driving device having any one or more of the driving devicefeatures set forth above.

Preferably, the processing is responsive to a plurality of differentcontrol instructions associated with corresponding different ones of theat least one single use product container assembly containing differentproducts.

Preferably, the container assembly and the intelligent driving deviceform part of a product preparation system having any one or more of thesystem features set forth hereinabove.

Preferably, the processing includes adding any required liquid to theproduct container assembly.

Preferably, the processing includes turning the container assemblyupside down and inserting it, in an upside-down orientation intooperative engagement with the intelligent driving device.

Preferably, the processing includes reading and decrypting machinereadable information contained in the container assembly.

Preferably, the machine readable information includes at least one of:

a process recipe for processing of the product in the containerassembly;

a reference weight of the container assembly including the product(RWF);

a reference weight of any liquid (RWL) to be added by the user to thecontainer assembly prior to processing;

type of product specific ID;

unique ID for the container assembly including the product; and

at least one Internet link to information of possible interest inrelation to the product.

Preferably, the process recipe includes at least time sequencing ofrotation of a blade element forming part of the container assemblyincluding intended rpm, rpm threshold levels and timing.

Preferably, the processing includes weighing the container assemblytogether with the product contained therein and any liquid added theretoby means of load cells forming part of the intelligent driving deviceand generating a Measured Weight Output (MWO).

Preferably, the processing includes confirming based on the MWO that anacceptable filled container assembly has been inserted into operativeengagement with the intelligent driving device.

Preferably, the processing includes processing in accordance with apredetermined process recipe if the MWO is within a predetermined rangeof the sum of the RWO and RWL.

Preferably, the processing includes processing in accordance with amodified process recipe if the MWO is not within a predetermined rangeof the sum of the RWO and RWL but is within predetermined limits.

Preferably, the processing includes not proceeding with processing inaccordance with a modified process recipe if the MWO is not within apredetermined range of the sum of the RWO and RWL but is not withinpredetermined limits and prompting a user accordingly.

Preferably, the processing includes monitoring RPM of the blade element.

Preferably, the processing includes monitoring RPM of the blade elementand when monitored RPM falls substantially from a predetermined level,indicating that processing is nearly complete, entering a processingcompletion mode of operation.

Preferably, the processing includes collecting leaked liquid in a leakedliquid reservoir in the container assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully fromthe following detailed description, taken in conjunction with thedrawings in which:

FIG. 1A is a simplified pictorial illustration of a single-usepreparation container assembly (SUPCA) constructed and operative inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a simplified exploded view illustration of the SUPCA of FIG.1A

FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D are simplified respective planar top view,planar bottom view, planar side view and planar sectional illustrationsof a single-use cover, seal and externally rotatably drivable rotaryengagement assembly (SUCSERDREA) forming part of the SUPCA of FIGS. 1A &1B, FIG. 2D being taken along lines D-D in FIG. 2A;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are simplified respective downward-facing andupward-facing exploded view illustrations of the SUCSERDREA of FIGS.2A-2C;

FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C are simplified respective top, bottom and planarsectional illustrations of a cover of the single-use cover seal of FIGS.2A-3B, FIG. 4C being taken along lines C-C in FIG. 4A;

FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E, 5F, 5G, 5H and 5I are simplified respectiveplanar top, planar bottom, pictorial top, pictorial bottom, first planarsectional, second planar sectional, third planar sectional, pictorialsectional and bottom pictorial illustrations of a lid of the single-usecover seal of FIGS. 2A-3B, FIGS. 5E and 5F being taken along respectivesection lines E-E and F-F in FIG. 5B and FIGS. 5G and 5H both beingtaken along section lines G-G in FIG. 5B;

FIG. 5J is a simplified side view illustration of the lid of FIGS.5A-5I;

FIGS. 5K, 5L and 5M are simplified sectional illustrations taken alongrespective lines K-K, L-L and M-M in FIG. 5I;

FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D and 6E are simplified respective planar top, planarbottom, pictorial bottom, planar sectional and pictorial sectionalillustrations of a preferred embodiment of a blade of the single-usecover seal of FIGS. 2A-3B, FIGS. 6D and 6E being taken along respectivesection lines D-D in FIG. 6B and E-E in FIG. 6A;

FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D and 7E are simplified respective planar top, planarbottom, pictorial bottom, planar sectional and pictorial sectionalillustrations of an alternative embodiment of a blade of the single-usecover seal of FIGS. 2A-3B, FIGS. 7D and 7E being taken along respectivesection lines D-D in FIG. 7B and E-E in FIG. 7A;

FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D and 8E are simplified respective planar top, planarbottom, pictorial bottom, planar sectional and pictorial sectionalillustrations of a further alternative embodiment of a blade of thesingle-use cover seal of FIGS. 2A-3B, FIGS. 8D and 8E being taken alongrespective section lines D-D in FIG. 8B and E-E in FIG. 8A;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are respective simplified top and bottom pictorialillustrations of a hub of the single-use cover seal of FIGS. 2A-3B;

FIGS. 10A and 10B are simplified pictorial illustrations of a preferredembodiment of a multiple motion intelligent driving device (MMIDD)constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention and useful with the SUPCA of FIGS. 1A-9B, inrespective door open and door closed states;

FIG. 10C is a simplified exploded view illustration of the MMIDD ofFIGS. 10A & 10B;

FIGS. 11A and 11B are simplified assembled and general exploded viewillustrations of a top housing assembly of the MMIDD of FIGS. 10A-10C;

FIGS. 11C and 11D are simplified respective top facing and bottom facingmore detailed exploded view illustrations of a top housing assembly ofthe MMIDD of FIGS. 10A-10C;

FIGS. 12A, 12B, 12C and 12D are simplified respective pictorial topview, planar top view, planar side view and planar bottom viewillustrations of a SUPCA support and clamping assembly (SUPCASCA)forming part of MMIDD of FIGS. 10A-10C;

FIG. 12E is a simplified exploded view illustration of the SUPCASCA ofFIGS. 12A-12D;

FIGS. 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D, 13E, 13F, 13G and 13H are simplifiedrespective planar front view, planar rear view, planar side view, planartop view, planar sectional view, top-facing pictorial front view,bottom-facing pictorial rear view and bottom-facing pictorial front viewillustrations of a clamp element forming part of the SUPCASCA of FIGS.12A-12E, FIG. 13E being taken along lines E-E in FIG. 13D;

FIGS. 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, 14E and 14F are simplified respective planartop view, planar side view, planar bottom view, sectional view,pictorial top view and pictorial bottom view illustrations of a supportelement forming part of the SUPCASCA of FIGS. 12A-12E, FIG. 14D beingtaken along lines D-D in FIG. 14A;

FIGS. 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E and 15F are simplified respective planartop view, planar side view, planar bottom view, sectional view,pictorial top view and pictorial bottom view illustrations of a camelement forming part of the SUPCASCA of FIGS. 12A-12E, FIG. 15D beingtaken along lines D-D in FIG. 15A;

FIGS. 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D and 16E are simplified respective pictorial,planar front, planar top, planar bottom and exploded view illustrationsof a base assembly forming part of the MMIDD of FIGS. 10A-10C;

FIGS. 17A, 17B, 17C, 17D and 17E are simplified respective planar front,planar top, planar bottom, upward-facing pictorial and downward-facingpictorial view illustrations of a base housing forming part of the baseassembly of FIGS. 16A-16E;

FIGS. 18A, 18B and 18C are simplified respective planar front view,pictorial front view and pictorial rear view illustrations of an ON/OFFpush button element forming part of the base assembly of FIGS. 16A-16E;

FIGS. 19A, 19B, 19C, 19D, 19E and 19F are simplified respectivepictorial, planar side, first planar top, second planar top, planarbottom and exploded view illustrations of a vertically displacing rotarydrive motor assembly forming part of the base assembly of FIGS. 16A-16E,FIGS. 19C and 19D showing different rotational orientations of the driveshaft;

FIG. 20 is a simplified pictorial illustration of a control circuitboard forming part of the base assembly of FIGS. 16A-16E;

FIGS. 21A and 21B are simplified pictorial respective assembled andexploded view illustrations of a bottom assembly forming part of thebase assembly of FIGS. 16A-16E;

FIGS. 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, 22E, 22F and 22G simplified respective planartop, planar side, planar bottom, pictorial top, pictorial bottom, firstplanar sectional and second planar sectional view illustrations of arotary drive gear forming part of the vertically displacing rotary drivemotor assembly of FIGS. 19A-19F, FIGS. 22F and 22G being taken alonglines F-F in FIG. 22A and G-G in FIG. 22B respectively;

FIGS. 23A, 23B, 23C and 23D are simplified respective planar side,planar top, planar bottom and exploded view illustrations of a motorhousing and support assembly, forming part of the vertically displacingrotary drive motor assembly of FIGS. 19A-19F;

FIGS. 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D, 24E and 24F are simplified respective planartop, planar bottom, planar side, sectional, pictorial top and pictorialbottom view illustrations of a top element forming part of the motorhousing and support assembly of FIGS. 23A-23D, FIG. 24D being takenalong lines D-D in FIG. 24A;

FIGS. 25A, 25B, 25C, 25D and 25E are simplified respective planar top,planar bottom, planar side, sectional and pictorial view illustrationsof a bottom element forming part of the motor housing and supportassembly of FIGS. 23A-23D, FIG. 25D being taken along lines D-D in FIG.25A;

FIGS. 26A, 26B, 26C, 26D and 26E are simplified respective planar side,planar top, planar bottom, pictorial and exploded view illustrations ofan axially displaceable rotary drive assembly forming part of thevertically displacing rotary drive motor assembly of FIGS. 19A-19F;

FIGS. 27A, 27B and 27C are simplified respective planar side, planar topand pictorial view illustrations of a bottom element forming part of thebottom assembly of FIGS. 21A & 21B;

FIGS. 28A, 28B and 28C are simplified respective planar top, planar sideand pictorial view illustrations of a load cell support forming part ofthe bottom assembly of FIGS. 21A &21B;

FIGS. 29A, 29B, 29C, 29D and 29E are simplified respective planar side,pictorial, planar top, first sectional and second sectional viewillustrations of an outer drive shaft assembly forming part of theaxially displaceable rotary drive assembly of FIGS. 26A-26E, FIGS. 29Dand 29E being taken along lines D-D in FIG. 29C and illustrate twodifferent operative orientations;

FIGS. 30A, 30B, 30C and 30D are simplified planar top, planar side,pictorial and sectional view illustrations of an outer drive shafthousing element forming part of the outer drive shaft assembly of FIGS.29A-29E, FIG. 30D being taken along lines D-D in FIG. 30A;

FIGS. 31A, 31B and 31C are simplified planar front, planar side andpictorial illustrations of an outer drive shaft locking engagementelement forming part of the outer drive shaft assembly of FIGS. 29A-29E;

FIGS. 32A, 32B, 32C and 32D are simplified planar top, planar bottom,planar side and sectional illustrations of a motor support bracketassembly forming part of the axially displaceable rotary drive assemblyof FIGS. 26A-26E, FIG. 32D being taken along lines D-D in FIG. 32A;

FIGS. 33A and 33B are simplified respective upward facing and downwardfacing pictorial view illustrations of a modified standard AC motorforming part of the axially displaceable rotary drive assembly of FIGS.26A-26E;

FIGS. 34A and 34B are simplified respective planar side and pictorialview illustrations of a spindle forming part of the axially displaceablerotary drive assembly of FIGS. 26A-26E;

FIGS. 35A, 35B, 35C, 35D and 35E are simplified respective planar top,planar side, planar bottom, top-facing pictorial and bottom-facingpictorial view illustrations of a motor lifting element forming part ofthe axially displaceable rotary drive assembly of FIGS. 26A-26E;

FIGS. 36A, 36B, 36C, 36D and 36E are simplified respective planar side,planar top, planar bottom, bottom-facing pictorial and sectional viewillustrations of a linear to rotary converting adaptor, forming part ofthe axially displaceable rotary drive assembly of FIGS. 26A-26E, FIG.36E being taken along lines E-E in FIG. 36C;

FIGS. 37A, 37B, 37C, 37D, 37E, 37F, 37G and 37H are simplifiedrespective planar top, planar side, top-facing pictorial, bottom-facingpictorial, first sectional, second sectional, third sectional and fourthsectional view illustrations of a linearly driven rotating ventilatingelement forming part of the axially displaceable rotary drive assemblyof FIGS. 26A-26E, FIGS. 37E, 37F, 37G and 37H being taken alongrespective lines E-E, F-F, G-G and H-H in FIG. 37A;

FIG. 38 is a simplified composite sectional illustration taken along asection line XXXVIII-XXXVIII in FIG. 19C illustrating various operativeorientations in the operation of the vertically displacing rotary drivemotor assembly of FIGS. 19A-19F;

FIGS. 39A, 39B, 39C and 39D are sectional illustrations taken alongsection line XXXVIII-XXXVIII in FIG. 19C showing the verticallydisplacing rotary drive motor assembly in the four operativeorientations represented in FIG. 38 ;

FIGS. 40A, 40B, 40C, 40D, 40E, 40F and 40G are sectional illustrationsshowing part of the vertically displacing rotary drive motor assemblyseen in FIGS. 39A-39D in six operative orientations;

FIGS. 41A, 41B and 41C are sectional illustrations taken along sectionline XLI-XLI in FIG. 19D showing part of the vertically displacingrotary drive motor assembly in three operative orientations;

FIGS. 42A and 42B are simplified respective planar side and centralcross-sectional illustrations of the SUPCA of FIGS. 1A-9B filled with afrozen food product;

FIGS. 43A and 43B are respective simplified planar side and centralcross-sectional illustrations of the SUPCA of FIGS. 1A-9B filled with anon-frozen food product;

FIGS. 44A and 44B are simplified respective planar side and sectionalillustrations of the SUPCA filled with a frozen food product of FIGS.42A & 42B wherein liquid is being added to the frozen food product via aresealable opening in the SUCSERDREA of FIGS. 2A-3B;

FIGS. 45A and 45B are simplified respective planar side and sectionalillustrations of the SUPCA filled with a non-frozen food product ofFIGS. 43A & 43B wherein liquid is being added to the non-frozen foodproduct via a resealable opening in the SUCSERDREA of FIGS. 2A-3B;

FIGS. 46A and 46B are simplified respective planar side and sectionalillustrations of the SUPCA filled with a frozen or non-frozen foodproduct as well as liquid, ready for processing by the MMIDD of FIGS.10A-41C;

FIGS. 47A, 47B and 47C are simplified respective pictorial, planar sideand sectional illustrations of the SUPCA of FIGS. 1A-9B, filled with afood product (not shown) in an upside-down unclamped orientation intypical initial operative engagement with the MMIDD with the door open,FIG. 47C being taken along lines C-C in FIG. 47A;

FIGS. 48A and 48B are simplified first and second sectionalillustrations of the SUPCA of FIGS. 47A-47C in an upside-down unclampedorientation in operative engagement with the MMIDD with the door closed,FIGS. 48A and 48B being taken along respective lines C-C and D-D in FIG.47A;

FIGS. 49A and 49B are simplified first and second sectionalillustrations, corresponding to FIGS. 48A and 48B but showing the SUPCAof FIGS. 47A-47C in upside-down partially clamped operative engagementwith the MMIDD;

FIG. 50 is a simplified sectional illustration, corresponding to FIG.49A but showing the SUPCA of FIGS. 47A-47C in upside-down fully clampedoperative engagement with the MMIDD;

FIG. 51 is a simplified sectional illustration, corresponding to FIG. 50but showing the SUPCA of FIGS. 47A-47C in operative engagement with theMMIDD wherein the blade element of the SUPCA is extended and rotatable;

FIGS. 52A and 52B are simplified first and second sectionalillustrations, wherein FIG. 52A corresponds to FIG. 5I, but shows theSUPCA of FIGS. 47A-47C in operative engagement with the MMIDD whereinthe blade element of the SUPCA is retracted, after having been rotated,to be aligned with a blade element recess, FIG. 52B being taken alonglines B-B in FIG. 52A;

FIG. 53 is a simplified sectional illustration, corresponding to FIG.52A but showing the SUPCA in upside-down partially clamped operativeengagement with the MMIDD;

FIG. 54 is a simplified sectional illustration, corresponding to FIG. 53but showing the SUPCA in upside-down unclamped operative engagement withthe MMIDD with the door open;

FIGS. 55A and 55B are simplified respective pictorial and pictorialcentral cross-sectional illustrations of the SUPCA after removal fromthe MMIDD having a straw extending through a straw communicationaperture;

FIGS. 56A and 56B are simplified central cross-sectional illustrations,taken along lines D-D in FIG. 2A, of the SUCSERDREA showing twooperative orientations providing static/dynamic sealing functionality;

FIGS. 57A and 57B are together a simplified flowchart illustratingcontrol operation of the MMIDD in accordance with a preferred embodimentof the present invention; and

FIGS. 58A and 58B are simplified illustrations of the disengagement ofthe SUCSERDREA from the container body of the SUPCA in a situation wherethe SUPCA was not earlier processed by the MMIDD or in accordance withan alternative embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference is now made to FIGS. 1A and 1B, which are, respectively, asimplified pictorial illustration and a simplified exploded viewillustration of a single-use preparation container assembly (SUPCA) 100,also referred to as a product container assembly, constructed andoperative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention. SUPCA 100 is preferably used for food products but is notlimited for use therewith unless explicitly stated hereinbelow.

As seen in FIGS. 1A and 1B, SUPCA 100 preferably comprises a single-usecontainer body 102 for containing a food product prior to, during andfollowing food preparation. Single-use container body 102 may be anysuitable container body 102 and is preferably a truncated conical shapedcontainer, preferably formed of polypropylene having a bottom wall 104,a truncated conical side wall 106, a circumferential rim 108 and aplurality of, typically three, radially outwardly extending tamperindicating tabs 110 underlying circumferential rim 108.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there isalso provided a single-use cover seal and externally rotatably drivablerotary engagement assembly (SUCSERDREA) 120 for both human and machinesensible tamper-evident and re-use preventing fluid sealing engagementwith the single-use container body 102. SUCSERDREA 120 is preferablyused for food products but is not limited for use therewith unlessexplicitly stated hereinbelow.

It is a particular feature of the present invention that the sameSUCSERDREA 120 may be used for container bodies 102 having differentsizes and configurations, provided that their circumferential rim 108 isuniform.

A preferred embodiment of SUCSERDREA 120 is illustrated in FIGS. 2A-3B.As seen in FIGS. 2A-3B, SUCSERDREA 120 preferably includes a cover 130,a lid 140, a hub 150 and a blade element 160. Cover 130 and lid 140 arepreferably fixedly connected to each other, preferably by suitablewelding techniques, preferably ultrasonic welding. Hub 150 is preferablyfixedly connected to blade element 160 and is arranged for sealedrotation with respect to cover 130 and lid 140. Alternatively, hub 150and blade element 160 may be integrally formed.

SUCSERDREA 120 preferably includes a machine-readable information source162, preferably an RFID chip, but alternatively a bar-coded label or anyother suitable machine-readable information source. Preferably, theinformation contained on the machine-readable information source 162 isencrypted. Information source 162 may contain some or all of therelevant information and/or may provide a reference, such as a link toinformation available on the internet.

Reference is now additionally made to FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C, which arerespective simplified top, bottom and sectional illustrations of cover130 of SUCSERDREA 120 of FIGS. 2A-3B. As seen in FIGS. 4A-4C, cover 130preferably comprises a generally circular planar portion 170 having anupwardly-facing surface 172 in the sense of FIG. 3A and adownwardly-facing surface 174 in the sense of FIG. 3B. A centralaperture 175 is formed in generally circular planar portion 170. Anupwardly facing, in the sense of FIG. 3A, generally circular stackingpositioning protrusion 176 is preferably formed on upwardly-facingsurface 172. Three mutually concentric, mutually spaceddownwardly-facing, in the sense of FIG. 3B, generally circular generallycircumferential protrusions 177, 178 and 180 are formed ondownwardly-facing surface 174 for welding to corresponding protrusionsof lid 140. A pair of downward and inwardly facing hook protrusions 182are also formed on downwardly-facing surface 174 adjacent aperture 175for disengageable mounting of hub 150 onto cover 130.

Formed in generally circular planar portion 170 is an integrally hingedpivotably openable straw ingress opening cover 184, including anintegral hinge portion 186 and a pair of human visually sensibletamper-evident frangible portions 188, which are normally necessarilybroken when opening straw ingress opening cover 184. A finger engagementportion 190 is defined as an extension of straw ingress opening cover184. Integrally hinged pivotably openable straw ingress opening cover184 is preferably formed with an outer peripheral sealing surface 191,which removably sealably engages a corresponding straw ingress openingof lid 140 (FIGS. 5A-5M). A guiding lip portion 192 is preferablyprovided for guiding the straw ingress opening cover 184 when resealingstraw ingress opening cover 184 with respect to corresponding strawingress opening of lid 140.

Also formed in generally circular planar portion 170 is an integrallyhinged liquid ingress cover 193 including an integral hinge 194 and apair of human visually sensible tamper-evident frangible portions 195,which are normally necessarily broken when opening cover 193. A fingerengagement portion 196 is defined as a radially outwardly extension ofcover 193 and also serves for rotational orientation of SUPCA 100 onto amultiple motion intelligent driving device (MMIDD) (FIGS. 10A-10C), alsoreferred to as an intelligent driving device, as is describedhereinbelow.

Integrally hinged pivotably openable liquid ingress opening cover 193 ispreferably formed with an outer peripheral sealing surface 197 whichterminates in a recessed, generally planar, downwardly-facing in thesense of FIG. 3B, cover surface 198.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 5A-5M, which illustrate lid 140 of theSUCSERDREA 120 of FIGS. 2A-3B.

As seen in FIGS. 5A-5M, lid 140 preferably is a generally circular,generally planar element 200 having a generally circumferential edgesurface 210 including a plurality of generally vertical radiallyoutwardly extending elongate protrusions 212 distributed therealong. Aplurality of, typically three, integrally hinged tamper and reuseindicating tabs 214 are formed in respective openings 215 incircumferential edge surface 210. Each of tabs 214 is formed with a pairof tapered mutually circumferentially spaced edge surfaces 216 and aradially inwardly facing cam 217 defining a cam engagement surface 218.

Prior to tamper and use, as seen in enlargement A of FIG. 5A, taperedmutually circumferentially spaced edge surfaces 216 of each of tabs 214are arranged in mutually spaced parallel arrangement with correspondingtapered mutually circumferentially spaced edge surfaces 220 ofcircumferential edge surface 210, such that tabs 214 can, principallydue to flexibility thereof, be forced radially outwardly throughopenings 215.

The arrangement of tabs 214 and openings 215 is such that following useor tampering, as seen in enlargement B of FIG. 5A, tabs 214 aredisplaced radially outwardly through openings 215 such that edgesurfaces 216 lie radially outwardly of edge surfaces 220 and areprevented from returning to their original position by engagement of arelatively wide radially inwardly-facing surface 222 of tabs 214 withradially outwardly-facing edges 223 of circumferential edge surface 210alongside opening 215. This is seen more clearly with reference to FIGS.5J-5M.

It is a particular feature of this embodiment of the present inventionthat generally circumferential edge surface 210 is preferably formedwith a plurality of cut outs 224, best seen in FIG. 5I, which areprovided to enable clamping of the SUPCA 100 to a multiple motionintelligent driving device (MMIDD) (FIGS. 10A-10C) during operationthereof, as will be described hereinbelow in detail.

It is also a particular feature of this embodiment of the presentinvention that, as seen best in FIGS. 5F, 5G and 5H, interiorly ofcircumferential edge surface 210 there is defined an annular clampingrecess 225 for removable engagement with container body 102. Annularclamping recess 225 preferably includes a downward-facing, in the senseof FIG. 5F, tapered annular surface 226, an inwardly facing edge surface227, an upward-facing, in the sense of FIG. 5F, tapered annular surface228 and a radially outwardly facing sealing surface 229.

Inwardly of generally circumferential edge surface 210 is a generallyplanar annular surface 230, which lies slightly below a top edge 232 ofedge surface 210. A generally circular protrusion 234 extends upwardly,in the sense of FIG. 1A, from annular surface 230.

Extending downwardly, in the sense of FIG. 1A, from annular surface 230is a radially inwardly slightly tapered circumferential surface 240.Extending inwardly of radially inwardly circumferential surface 240along a portion of the extent thereof, typically about one-third of thecircumference thereof, is a liquid ingress opening 242 formed with aprotective grid 244, which is engaged by cover surface 198 of cover 130when the liquid ingress opening cover 193 is in its closed and sealedoperative orientation. The periphery of liquid ingress opening 242 ispartially defined by surface 240 and partially by a surface 246 of awall 248.

An additional wall 250 is spaced from wall 248 and defines therewith avolume 252 which partially accommodates integral hinge 194 of cover 130.

Extending from wall 250 in a direction opposite to liquid ingressopening 242 are a pair of curved mutually separated walls 254 and 256,which may provide structural support to cover 130, when welded to lid140, and which may define one or more sealed leaked fluid reservoirvolumes 260.

A straw communication aperture 262 is preferably provided adjacentleaked fluid reservoir volumes 260.

Located generally at the center of lid 140 is a rotary drive aperture270, which is surrounded by a multiple walled sealing structure 280,preferably having a plurality of leaked fluid egress apertures 282,which communicate with one or more sealed leaked fluid reservoir volumes260. Apertures 282 are distributed along a generally annular planarinner surface 284 which surrounds aperture 270. Surrounding surface 284and generally downwardly stepped with respected thereto is a generallyannular planar surface 286.

Cover 130 is preferably welded to lid 140 at the intersectionsrespectively of an inner edge of annular surface 284, annular surface230, and protrusion 234 with corresponding surfaces of downwardly-facingprotrusions 177, 178, and 180 of cover 130.

An upwardly-facing partially tapered and partially flat annular surface288 is defined interiorly of aperture 270.

Turning now particularly to FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5E-5H, it is seen thatmultiple walled sealing structure 280 preferably comprises at least twomutually concentric downwardly-facing recesses 290 and 292, in the senseof FIG. 5H, which are sealingly engaged by corresponding protrusions ofthe blade element 160, as described in detail hereinbelow. Recesses 290and 292 are defined by three mutually concentric walls 294, 296 and 298,having respective downwardly facing annular edges 300, 302 and 304 andby base surfaces 306 and 308 extending respectively between walls 294 &296 and 296 & 298. Base surfaces 306 and 308 generally underlierespective annular surfaces 284 and 286. Wall 294 preferably defines aradially outwardly facing internal circumferential static sealingsurface 309, which intersections with base surface 306.

A downwardly-facing blade receiving recess 310 is defined in adownwardly facing, generally planar surface 312 of lid 140.

A truncated conical recess 316 is preferably defined with respect tosurface 312 about straw communication aperture 262.

Generally coextensive with radially inwardly circumferential surface 240and extending downwardly from generally planar surface 312 is acircumferential wall 320 having an outer surface 322 which preferablysealingly engages an interior surface of wall 106 of container body 102when SUCSERDREA 120 is fully engaged with the single-use container body102.

It is appreciated that walls 294, 296 and 298 also define dynamicsealing surfaces as described hereinbelow:

Wall 294 defines a dynamic radially outwardly facing circumferentialsealing surface 330 which is joined by a circumferential taperedjunction surface 332 to static sealing surface 309.

Wall 296 defines a dynamic radially inwardly facing circumferentialsealing surface 334 which faces surfaces 309, 330 and 332.

Wall 296 also defines a dynamic radially outwardly facingcircumferential sealing surface 336.

Wall 298 defines a dynamic radially inwardly facing circumferentialsealing surface 338.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 6A-6E, which illustrate a preferredembodiment of blade element 160 of SUCSERDREA 120.

As seen in FIGS. 6A-6E, blade element 160 comprises a unitary element,preferably injection molded from polypropylene and including a centraldriving and sealing portion 400 and a pair of blades 402 extendingradially outwardly therefrom in opposite directions. Central driving andsealing portion 400 comprises a pair of mutually radially spaced,concentric sealing walls 404 and 406 extending upwardly in the sense ofFIGS. 1A & 1B from a wall 408 and defining respective upwardly facingannular surfaces 410 and 412. Interiorly of wall 406 and radially spacedtherefrom and concentric therewith is a drive shaft engaging wall 414having, on a radially inwardly-facing surface 416 thereof, anarrangement of splines 418, which engage corresponding splines on adrive shaft of a multiple motion intelligent driving device (MMIDD)(FIGS. 10A-10C) and together with a portion of surface 412 define adrive shaft seating recess 420. Drive shaft engaging wall 414 is alsoprovided with a pair of recesses 422 for positioning of the hub 150 withrespect thereto.

Blades 402 each define a top facing surface in the sense of FIGS. 1A &1B, which includes a planar portion 430 and a tapered portion 432 whichterminates at a curved cutting edge 434. The tapered portion 432includes a further downwardly and circumferentially tapered portion 436alongside a trailing edge 438 of the blade, defined with respect to ablade rotation direction indicated by an arrow 440.

A bottom-facing surface 450 of blade element 160 preferably includes agenerally planar surface 452, which extends over central driving andsealing portion 400 and most of blades 402. Generally planar surface 452may have a slightly downwardly-extending central dome 454. Also formedon bottom-facing surface 450 are one or two downwardly andcircumferentially tapered portions 456 alongside trailing edge 438 ofthe blade, which underlie tapered portions 436. Formed on planar surface452 are preferably a central protrusion 460 and a plurality of mutuallyspaced radially distributed protrusions 462.

It is appreciated that walls 414, 406 and 404 define dynamic sealingsurfaces as described hereinbelow:

Wall 414 defines a dynamic radially outwardly facing circumferentialsealing surface 470.

Wall 406 defines a dynamic radially inwardly facing circumferentialsealing surface 472 which faces surface 470.

Wall 406 also defines a dynamic radially outwardly facingcircumferential sealing surface 474.

Wall 404 defines a dynamic radially inwardly facing circumferentialsealing surface 476.

It is appreciated that an inner disposed portion 480 of surface 472 alsodefines a static sealing surface.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 7A-7E, which illustrate an alternativeembodiment of a blade for SUCSERDREA 120.

As seen in FIGS. 7A-7E, the blade comprises a unitary element,preferably injection molded from polypropylene and including a centraldriving and sealing portion 500 and a pair of blades 502 and 503extending radially outwardly therefrom in opposite directions. Centraldriving and sealing portion 500 comprises a pair of mutually radiallyspaced, concentric sealing walls 504 and 506 extending upwardly, in thesense of FIGS. 1A & 1B, from a wall 508 and defining respective upwardlyfacing annular surfaces 510 and 512. Interiorly of wall 506 and radiallyspaced therefrom and concentric therewith is a drive shaft engaging wall514 having, on a radially inwardly-facing surface 516 thereof, anarrangement of splines 518, which engage corresponding splines on adrive shaft of a multiple motion intelligent driving device (MMIDD)(FIGS. 10A-10C) and, together with a portion of surface 512, define adrive shaft seating recess 520. Drive shaft engaging wall 514 is alsoprovided with a pair of recesses 522 for positioning of hub 150 withrespect thereto.

Blade 502 defines a top facing surface, in the sense of FIGS. 1A & 1B,which includes a planar portion 530 and a tapered portion 532 whichterminates at a curved cutting edge 534. The tapered portion 532includes a further downwardly and circumferentially tapered portion 536alongside a trailing edge 538 of the blade, defined with respect to ablade rotation direction indicated by an arrow 539.

Blade 503 defines a top facing surface in the sense of FIGS. 1A & 1B,which includes a planar portion 540 and a tapered portion 542 whichterminates at a curved cutting edge 544.

A bottom-facing surface 550 preferably includes a generally planarsurface 552, which extends over central driving and sealing portion 500and most of blades 502 and 503. Generally planar surface 552 may have aslightly downwardly-extending central dome 554. Also formed onbottom-facing surface 550 is one downwardly and circumferentiallytapered portion 556 alongside trailing edge 538 of blade 502, whichunderlies tapered portion 536 thereof. Formed on planar surface 552 arepreferably a central protrusion 560 and a plurality of mutually spacedradially distributed protrusions 562.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 8A-8E, which illustrate anotheralternative embodiment of a blade of SUCSERDREA 120.

As seen in FIGS. 8A-8E, the blade comprises a unitary element,preferably injection molded from polypropylene and including a centraldriving and sealing portion 600 and a pair of blades 602 extendingradially outwardly therefrom in opposite directions. Central driving andsealing portion 600 comprises a pair of mutually radially spaced,concentric sealing walls 604 and 606 extending upwardly, in the sense ofFIGS. 1A & 1B, from an upwardly facing surface 608 and definingrespective upwardly facing annular surfaces 610 and 612. Interiorly ofwall 606 and radially spaced therefrom and concentric therewith is adrive shaft engaging wall 614 having, on a radially inwardly-facingsurface 616 thereof, an arrangement of splines 618, which engagecorresponding splines on a drive shaft of a multiple motion intelligentdriving device (MMIDD) (FIGS. 10A-10C) and, together with a portion ofsurface 612, define a drive shaft seating recess 620. Drive shaftengaging wall 614 is also provided with a pair of recesses 622 forpositioning of hub 150 with respect thereto.

Blades 602 each define a top facing surface in the sense of FIGS. 1A &1B, which includes a planar portion 630 and a tapered portion 632 whichterminates at a curved cutting edge 634.

A bottom-facing surface 650 preferably includes a generally planarsurface 652, which extends over central driving and sealing portion 600and most of blades 602. Generally planar surface 652 may have a slightlydownwardly-extending central dome 654. Also formed on bottom-facingsurface 650 are a row of mutually spaced downwardly-facing protrusions656, each of which preferably has a downwardly curved tapered leadingedge 658 and a downwardly extending trailing edge 660.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 9A and 9B, which illustrate hub 150. Itis appreciated that alternatively hub 150 may be integrally formed withthe blade as a single piece. Hub 150 is preferably a generally annularelement and defines an upwardly-facing, in the sense of FIGS. 1A & 1B,planar ring surface 740 and a circumferential wall 742 extendingdownwardly therefrom, in the sense of FIGS. 1A & 1B. Circumferentialwall 742 preferably includes a pair of downwardly extending protrusions744 which preferably engage recesses 422 of blade element 160 orcorresponding recesses of alternative embodiments of blades.

Circumferential wall 742 defines a circumferential radiallyoutwardly-facing wall surface 746 and a circumferential radiallyinwardly-facing wall surface 748, preferably having a pair of mutuallyfacing undercut recesses 750 for removable engagement with a drive shaftof a multiple motion intelligent driving device (MMIDD) (FIGS. 10A-10C).A tapered annular radially outwardly-facing surface 752 preferably joinssurfaces 746 and a radially outwardly-facing edge surface 754. Taperedannular radially outwardly-facing surface 752 preferably is rotatablysnap fit engaged with flat annular surface 288 of lid 140.

A plurality of downwardly extending, in the sense of FIGS. 1A and 1B,protrusions 760 extend from circumferential wall 742 and define endsurfaces 762, which are preferably welded to a top surface, in the senseof FIG. 3A, of wall 414 of blade element 160.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 10A-10C, which illustrate a multiplemotion intelligent driving device (MMIDD) 1000 constructed and operativein accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention anduseful with SUPCA 100 of FIGS. 1A-9B.

As seen in FIGS. 10A-10C, MMIDD 1000 includes a top housing assembly1010, which is shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B in respective door closed anddoor open operative orientations. The top housing assembly 1010 issupported on a base assembly 1020, which also supports a SUPCA supportand clamping assembly (SUPCASCA) 1030, which is surrounded by the tophousing assembly 1010, when it is in a door closed operativeorientation.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 11A-11D, which are simplified assembledand general exploded view illustrations of top housing assembly 1010 ofthe MMIDD of FIGS. 10A-10C.

As seen in FIGS. 11A-11D, top housing assembly 1010 comprises a statichousing assembly 1040 and a rotatable door assembly 1050. Static housingassembly 1040 preferably comprises a static housing element 1060including a semi-cylindrical upstanding wall portion 1062, integrallyformed with a semi-cylindrical base ring 1064. Semi-cylindricalupstanding wall portion 1062 is preferably formed with a plurality ofradially inward-facing bayonet receiving recesses 1066, each of whichhas an opening at the base of semi-cylindrical upstanding wall portion1062.

Semi-cylindrical upstanding wall portion 1062 preferably terminates, atan upward end thereof, at a generally circular top portion 1068, whichis formed with an upwardly-facing circumferential recess 1070 forreceiving a low friction bearing ring 1072, which in turn rotatablysupports the rotatable door assembly 1050. A top cover 1074 is mountedonto generally circular top element 1068.

The rotatable door assembly 1050 includes a semi-cylindrical upstandingwall portion 1080 which is integrally formed with a cylindrical top ring1082. A generally vertical user hand engageable door grip 1084 ismounted onto semi-cylindrical upstanding wall portion 1080.

As seen with particular clarity in sectional enlargement A in FIG. 11A,low friction bearing ring 1072 is seated in circumferential recess 1070and cylindrical top ring 1082 is rotatably supported thereon. Top cover1074, which is fixed to static housing element 1060 by means of clips1086 which engage apertures 1088 formed in top portion 1068, overliesrecess 1070, low friction ring 1072 and cylindrical top ring 1082.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 12A-12E, which illustrate SUPCA supportand clamping assembly (SUPCASCA) 1030 forming part of MMIDD 1000. Asseen in FIGS. 12A-12E, SUPCASCA 1030 preferably includes a supportelement 1100, which rotatably supports a cam element 1110 and pivotablyand slidably supports a plurality of, typically three, clamp elements1120.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 13A-13H, which are simplifiedillustrations of clamp element 1120 forming part of the SUPCASCA 1030 ofFIGS. 12A-12E. As seen in FIGS. 13A-13H, clamp element 1120 comprises aplanar generally rectangular portion 1122 having a radiallyoutward-facing surface 1124 and a radially inward-facing surface 1126.Radially outward-facing surface 1124 terminates at a radially inwardtapered top surface 1128 of a clamping portion 1130 defining a radiallyinwardly and downwardly directed clamping groove 1132 which extends toradially inward-facing surface 1126. Top surface 1128 and clampinggroove 1132 together define a clamping engagement edge 1134.

A cam engagement protrusion 1136 extends radially inwardly at a bottomportion of front surface 1126. A support element pivotable and slidableengagement protrusion 1138 is formed on radially outward-facing surface1124 at a location generally opposite protrusion 1136.

Extending circumferentially to one side of clamping portion 1130 is atab engagement protrusion 1140, which operatively engages tab 214 of lid140 in response to clamping operation of clamp element 1120 and causesirreversible radially outward displacement of tab 214, thereby providingsingle-use functionality for SUPCA 100.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 14A-14F, which are simplifiedillustrations of support element 1100, forming part of SUPCASCA 1030 ofFIGS. 12A-12E. As seen in FIGS. 14A-14F, support element 1100 preferablycomprises a generally circular planar surface 1200 which is surroundedby a raised, generally annular planar container support surface 1210,preferably joined to surface 1200 by a tapered circular wall 1212. Aspillage channel 1214 extends radially outwardly through taperedcircular wall 1212 at a height between the planes of surface 1200 andannular planar container support surface 1210.

Disposed centrally of generally circular planar surface 1200 is a driveshaft accommodating aperture 1230, which is surrounded by an upstandingcircumferential rim 1232, thereby to help prevent leaking of spillagelocated on generally circular planar surface 1200 into the remainder ofthe MMIDD 1000 lying below support element 1100. Annular planarcontainer support surface 1210 is preferably surrounded by a taperedwall 1240 which is preferably formed with a multiplicity ofcircumferentially distributed indents 1242, arranged to accommodate aplurality of generally vertical radially outwardly extending elongateprotrusions 212 distributed along circumferential edge surface 210 oflid 140 of SUPCA 100. Wall 1240 terminates in a circumferential planarannular top and radially outwardly extending wall 1244 having atop-facing surface 1246.

Extending circumferentially to both sides of channel 1214 is a SUPCAazimuthal locating channel 1250, which extends radially outwardly ofwall 1240 and communicates with channel 1214. SUPCA azimuthal locatingchannel 1250 accommodates finger engagement portion 196 of SUPCA 100.

Walls 1240 and 1244 are formed with a plurality of clamp accommodatingpockets 1260, typically three in number. Each of pockets 1260 preferablyincludes an opening 1262, which extends from wall 1240 at a height justbelow that of wall 1244 radially outwardly along wall 1244. Each ofpockets 1260 includes a radially outwardly extending wall 1264 and sidewalls 1266. Radially outwardly extending wall 1264 includes a radiallyinward lower portion 1268 and a radially outward upper portion 1270joined by a concave curved surface 1272. Preferably, a magnet 1274 isseated behind radially inward lower portion 1268. Extending radiallyinwardly from radially inward outer portion 1268 adjacent each of sidewalls 1266 and underlying opening 1262 are a pair of protrusions 1276.

Preferably, a depending circumferential wall 1280 extends along nearlyone half of the circumference of wall 1244 at an outer edge thereof.

Underlying surface 1200 is a corresponding circular planar surface 1290which is formed with a convex curved circumferential wall 1292surrounding aperture 1230. Surrounding wall 1292 there is formed agenerally circular recess 1294, which is preferably configured to have aradially outwardly extending rectangular notch 1296.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 15A-15F, which are simplifiedillustrations of cam element 1110 forming part of the SUPCASCA 1030 ofFIGS. 12A-12E.

As seen in FIGS. 15A-15F, cam element 1110 preferably is a generallycircular planar element, preferably formed of polyoxymethylene (POM) orfiberglass-reinforced polyamide.

Cam element 1110 preferably includes a generally circular disk 1300having a generally planar top surface 1302 and a generally planar bottomsurface 1304 and is formed with a central aperture 1306 having aradially outwardly extending generally rectangular notch 1308. Acircumferential wall 1310 surrounds disk 1300.

Aperture 1306 is surrounded on generally planar top surface 1302 by agenerally circular rotational engagement surface 1312 and is surroundedon generally planar bottom surface 1304 by a generally circular ledgesurface 1314. Generally circular ledge surface 1314 is surroundedadjacent generally planar bottom surface 1304 by a generally circularwall 1316 that is formed with a plurality of radially outwardlyextending notches 1318. A plurality of mutually equally spaced ribs 1320preferably extend from circular wall 1316 to circumferential wall 1310and are joined to planar bottom surface 1304.

Formed on a radially outer surface of circumferential wall 1310 are aplurality of cam channels 1330, preferably three in number, eacharranged to operate and selectably position a clamp element 1120,located in a pocket 1260 of support element 1100 as will be describedhereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 48A and 49A. The clamp element 1120is retained in a cam channel 1330 by engagement of engagement surface1138 of the radially outwardly facing surface 1124 of the clamp element1120 with lower surface 1268 of pocket 1260. As seen particularly wellin FIGS. 15B and 15E, cam channels 1330 are distributed about the outercircumference of cam element 1110 and are partially overlapping. Eachcam channel 1330 is defined by a pair of radially outwardly extendingmutually spaced circumferential walls 1332, each of which extends from afirst location 1334 therealong to a second location 1336 therealong.Upstream of the first location 1334 is an entry location 1338 wherein,during assembly of the SUPCASCA 1030, each clamp element 1120 isinserted into cam channel 1330. Generally, each cam channel 1330 extendscircumferentially and downwardly through approximately 105 degrees ofazimuth. The width of each cam channel 1330, as defined by theseparation between adjacent circumferential walls 1332 is at a maximumat the first location 1334.

It is a particular feature of this embodiment of the present inventionthat the operation of the cam element 1110 in causing clamp elements1120 to assume a clamping operative orientation is produced both by thedownward orientation of the cam channel 1330 from the first location1334 to the second location 1336 and by varying the radial extent of acircumferential wall 1332 relative to circumferential wall 1310 alongthe cam channels 1330. Thus it will be seen that at first location 1334,the radial extent of the upper circumferential wall 1332 defining thecam channel 1330 is at a maximum, forcing the clamp element 1120 locatedin the cam channel 1330 at the first location 1334 radially outwardlyand as the cam channel 1330 rotates relative to the clamp element 1120in pocket 1260, the radial extent of the upper circumferential wall 1332decreases, allowing the clamp element 1120 to be biased radiallyinwardly by engagement of engagement surface 1138 of the radiallyoutwardly facing surface 1124 of the clamp element 1120 with lowersurface 1268 of pocket 1260.

This operation is enhanced by construction of the cam channels 1330 tohave a maximum width between adjacent circumferential walls 1332 at thefirst location 1334 along each cam channel 1330 so as to accommodateradial outward biasing of the clamp element 1120 within the cam channel1330 thereat.

It is appreciated that the cam channels 1330 are each constructed tohave a somewhat flexible stopper portion 1340 downstream of entrylocation 1338 and upstream of the first location 1334 thereof to permitassembly of the device with each clamp element 1120 located within a camchannel 1330 and to prevent inadvertent disengagement of the clampelement 1120 from the cam channel 1330. Each cam channel 1330 is blockedat the second location 1336, thus preventing disengagement of the clampelement 1120 from the cam channel 1330 at the second location 1336.

It is a particular feature of this embodiment of the present inventionthat a generally planar annular wall surface 1350 extends radiallyoutwardly of circumferential wall 1310 below generally planar bottomsurface 1304 and is formed with a downwardly facing circumferentialleakage directing protrusion 1352, which is operative to direct liquidsaway from the interior of MMIDD 1000.

It is also a particular feature of this embodiment of the presentinvention that a radially outwardly directed edge 1354 of generallyplanar annular wall surface 1350 is formed with a plurality of locatingnotches 1356, which are configured to engage protrusions 1276 associatedwith each pocket 1260, thereby ensuring proper azimuthal alignmentbetween the cam element 1110 and the support element 1100.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 16A-16E, which are simplifiedillustrations of base assembly 1020 forming part of MMIDD 1000 of FIGS.10A-10C. As seen in FIGS. 16A-16E, the base assembly includes a basehousing 1400, which is preferably generally cubic in configuration andis supported on a bottom assembly 1410. Mounted on base housing 1400 isan ON/OFF push button element 1420.

Disposed within base housing 1400 are a vertically displacing rotarydrive motor assembly 1430 and a printed circuit board 1440, whichpreferably contains control electronics which manage operation of theMMIDD 1000.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 17A-17E, which are illustrations of basehousing 1400, forming part of the base assembly 1020 of FIGS. 16A-16E.As seen in FIGS. 17A-17E, base housing 1400 includes a cubic mainportion 1450 and a generally cylindrical top portion 1452 integrallyformed therewith and having a central aperture 1454, surrounded by araised rim 1456.

Generally cylindrical top portion 1452 is preferably formed with aplurality of, typically three, radially outwardly extending protrusions1458 distributed along an outer periphery of a first generallysemicircular wall portion 1460 thereof. Protrusions 1458 are insertedinto radially inward-facing bayonet receiving recesses 1066 to providelocking of semi-cylindrical upstanding wall portion 1062 of statichousing assembly 1060 to base housing 1400. Generally cylindrical topportion 1452 also includes a second generally semicircular wall portion1462 which is concentric with first generally semicircular wall portion1460 but has a smaller outer radius. An aperture 1464 is provided on afront wall 1466 of cubic main portion 1450.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 18A-18C, which are simplifiedillustrations of ON/OFF push button element 1420, forming part of thebase assembly of FIGS. 16A-16E. ON/OFF push button element 1420 ispreferably a somewhat flexible plastic element which engages a switchand is preferably mounted on a printed circuit board (not shown) locatedwithin base housing 1400. ON/OFF push button element 1420 is preferablymounted in aperture 1464 of cubic main portion 1450.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 19A-19F, which are simplifiedillustrations of vertically displacing rotary drive motor assembly 1430,forming part of the base assembly 1020 of FIGS. 16A-16E. As seen inFIGS. 19A-19F, the vertically displacing rotary drive motor assembly1430 preferably comprises a rotary drive gear 1500 which is rotatablymounted on a motor housing and support assembly 1510. Motor housing andsupport assembly 1510 in turn supports an auxiliary rotary drive motor1520 and encloses an axially displaceable rotary drive assembly 1530.

Reference is now made to FIG. 20 , which is a simplified pictorialillustration of printed circuit board 1440, forming part of the baseassembly of FIGS. 16A-16E. It is appreciated that there may beadditionally provided multiple various printed circuit boards (notshown) within base housing 1400.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 21A and 21B, which are simplifiedpictorial respective assembled and exploded view illustrations of bottomassembly 1410, forming part of the base assembly 1020 of FIGS. 16A-16E.As seen in FIGS. 21A and 21B, bottom assembly 1410 preferably includes agenerally square bottom element 1550 which defines a plurality ofupstanding mounting screw guiding bosses 1552, which enable insertion ofscrews (not shown) which are employed for static mounting of basehousing 1400 onto motor housing and support assembly 1510. Bottomelement 1550 also defines screw mounting apertures 1554, whichaccommodate screws (not shown), which are employed for static mountingof motor housing and support assembly 1510 onto bottom element 1550.

A plurality of, preferably four, load cells 1560 are preferably locatedin corner recesses 1562 in bottom element 1550 and are secured by screws(not shown) to corresponding support pads 1564 underlying bottom element1550 via load cell supports 1566, which overlie bottom element 1550.Support pads 1564 extend through corresponding apertures 1568 (FIG.27B), which extend through bottom element 1550 at corner recesses 1562.Load cells 1560 are preferably model GML624, commercially available fromXi′an Gavin Electronic Technology Co., Ltd Xi′an, Shaanxi, China.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 22A-22G, which are simplifiedillustrations of rotary drive gear 1500 forming part of verticallydisplacing rotary drive motor assembly 1430 of FIGS. 19A-19F. As seen inFIGS. 22A-22G, rotary drive gear 1500 preferably is a generallycircularly symmetric cap having a central aperture 1600 surrounded by anupstanding circumferential wall 1602 having a plurality of upwardlyextending protrusions 1604 at an upper edge 1606 thereof. Protrusions1604 are configured to seat in notches 1318 of cam element 1110. Acircumferentially inwardly directed annular wall 1608 extends inwardlyof circumferential wall 1602 at upper edge 1606 thereof and is formedwith a notch 1610.

At its base, circumferential wall 1602 is surrounded by a nearly planarbut slightly conical top surface 1612, which terminates in a dependingcircumferential wall 1614. Circumferential wall 1614 terminates in anannular circumferential surface 1616, which terminates in a furtherdepending circumferential wall 1618 having formed on an outercircumferential surface thereof a radially outwardly directedcircumferentially extending gear train 1620.

Wall 1618 has a bottom edge 1622 and an inner circumferential surface1624. A radially inwardly directed circumferentially extending geartrain 1630 is formed on inner circumferential surface 1624. Preferablygear trains 1620 and 1630 have an identical pitch and are slightly outof phase. Bottom edge 1622 exhibits edges of both gear trains 1620 and1630.

Interiorly and upwardly of inner circumferential surface 1624 there isprovided a curved circumferential surface 1632, which underlies annularcircumferential surface 1616 and extends to an inner circumferentialsurface 1634 which lies inwardly of circumferential wall 1614. An innernearly planar but slightly conical surface 1636 underlies nearly planarbut slightly conical top surface 1612.

Surrounding aperture 1600 at the interior of rotary drive gear 1500 is adownwardly extending annular protrusion 1640 having a plurality ofslightly radially inwardly protrusions 1642 formed thereon. Extendingupwardly from annular protrusion 1640 is an inner circumferentialsurface 1644, which terminates in an annular surface 1646 and definestherewith a shoulder 1648. An upper inner circumferential surface 1649extends upwardly from annular surface 1646.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 23A-23D, which are simplifiedillustrations of motor housing and support assembly 1510, forming partof the vertically displacing rotary drive motor assembly 1430 of FIGS.19A-19F. As seen in FIGS. 23A-23D, the motor housing and supportassembly 1510 includes a top element 1650, which is describedhereinbelow in detail with reference to FIGS. 24A-24F and a bottomelement 1660, which is described hereinbelow in detail with reference toFIGS. 25A-25E.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 24A-24F, which are simplifiedillustrations of top element 1650 forming part of the motor housing andsupport assembly 1510 of FIGS. 23A-23D.

As seen in FIGS. 24A-24F, top element 1650 preferably includes a planarwall portion 1700 from which extends upwardly a central upstandingcircumferential wall surface 1702, which terminates at an annulargenerally planar wall surface 1704, which rotatably supports annularsurface 1646 of rotary drive gear 1500.

Annular generally planar wall surface 1704 terminates radially inwardlyin an upstanding circumferential wall surface 1706 having a top planarannular edge surface 1708, which is formed with a radially outwardlyextending protrusion 1710, which corresponds to notch 1610 of rotarydrive gear 1500 and which corresponds to notch 1308 of cam element 1110.

Peripherally of planar wall portion 1700 are a plurality of mutuallyspaced depending wall portions 1720, all of which terminate in agenerally planar, generally annular wall 1730, which lies parallel toplanar wall portion 1700. Wall portions 1720, together with wall portion1700 and wall 1730, define an array of ventilation apertures 1732. Anextension 1752 of wall 1730 supports auxiliary rotary drive motor 1520.

As seen particularly in FIG. 24D, at an underside surface 1760 of planarwall portion 1700 there is defined a central interior circumferentialsurface 1762, which terminates at an annular wall surface 1764 anddefines therewith a shoulder 1766. Annular wall surface 1764 terminatesradially inwardly at an inner interior circumferential wall surface1768, which, in turn, terminates at an underside annular surface 1770,which underlies top planar annular edge surface 1708. A dependingcircumferential wall 1772 extends downwardly from underside annularsurface 1770 and defines a radially inwardly directed cylindricalsurface 1774 which extends to top planar annular edge surface 1708 anddefines therewith an aperture 1776.

A plurality of guiding pins 1780, preferably three in number, extenddownwardly from underside surface 1760 for guiding axially displaceablerotary drive assembly 1530 in its vertical displacement relative tomotor housing and support assembly 1510. A plurality of mutuallycircumferentially arranged downwardly extending protrusions 1782 areformed on wall 1730. A plurality of, preferably four, snap-engagementcut outs 1784 are formed at edges of wall 1730. A pair of recesses 1786and 1788 and an aperture 1790 are provided in wall 1730 and itsextension 1752 for accommodating linear displacement spindles (notshown).

Reference is now made to FIGS. 25A-25E, which are simplifiedillustrations of bottom element 1660 forming part of the motor housingand support assembly 1510 of FIGS. 23A-23D.

As seen in FIGS. 25A-25E, the bottom element 1660 is a generallycylindrical element having a cylindrical wall 1800 which generally, butnot entirely, has a uniform cross section. Cylindrical wall 1800preferably defines a plurality of, preferably three, spindleaccommodating channels 1802, each of which is formed with a spindlelocking socket 1804 for rotatably locking a spindle against verticaldisplacement relative to the bottom element 1660.

Cylindrical wall 1800 also defines a plurality of mounting screwaccommodating channels 1810 which receive mounting screws (not shown)which serve to fixedly attach the bottom element 1660 to the basehousing 1400. Formed along a top edge 1812 of cylindrical wall 1800 area plurality of, preferably four, snap engagement portions 1814 which areconfigured for snap engagement with top element 1650 at snap-engagementcut outs 1784 of top element 1650.

Preferably extending upwardly from top edge 1812 is a sensor mountingprotrusion 1820 for mounting of an optional sensor (not shown) forsensing a rotational position of rotary drive gear 1500.

The bottom of cylindrical wall 1800 is preferably formed with a firstwidened region 1822 for facilitating air flow therefrom and a secondwidened region 1823 for accommodating electronic circuitry (not shown).

A plurality of threaded screw bosses 1824 are preferably provided at abottom edge 1826 of cylindrical wall 1800 for accommodating screws (notshown) which attach bottom element 1660 to bottom assembly 1410 at screwmounting apertures 1554.

A plurality of threaded screw bosses 1828 are preferably provided at topedge 1812 of cylindrical wall 1800 for accommodating screws (not shown)which attach bottom element 1660 to top element 1650.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 26A-26E, which are simplifiedillustrations of axially displaceable rotary drive assembly 1530 formingpart of the vertically displacing rotary drive motor assembly 1430 ofFIGS. 19A-19F. As seen in FIGS. 26A-26E, the axially displaceable rotarydrive assembly 1530 preferably comprises a outer drive shaft assembly1900, a motor support bracket assembly 1902, an AC motor 1904, aplurality of, preferably three, spindles 1906, a corresponding pluralityof coil springs 1908, a motor lifting element 1910, a linear to rotaryconverting adaptor 1912, a spring 1914 and a linearly driven rotatingventilating element 1916.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 27A-27C, which are simplified respectiveplanar side, planar top and pictorial view illustrations of bottomelement 1550, forming part of the bottom assembly 1410 of FIGS. 21A &21B.

In addition to the elements described hereinabove with reference toFIGS. 21A & 21B, namely the plurality of upstanding mounting screwguiding bosses 1552, and the plurality of screw mounting apertures 1554,the corner recesses 1562 and the apertures 1568, it is seen that eachcorner recess 1562 of the bottom element 1550 includes a plurality of,preferably two, snaps 1950, for securing load cells 1560 to bottomelement 1550.

Bottom element 1550 also preferably includes a plurality of, preferablythree, apertures 1952 for accommodating spindles 1906.

Bottom element 1550 preferably defines a partially interruptedcircumferential wall 1954 for locating bottom element 1660 of motorhousing and support assembly 1510 thereon and for separating warm andambient air flows through the bottom element 1660.

Bottom element 1550 preferably also defines a drive shaft engageablesocket 1956 on a top-facing planar surface 1958 thereof.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 28A-28C, which are simplifiedillustrations of load cell support 1566, forming part of the bottomassembly 1410 of FIGS. 21A &21B.

As seen in FIGS. 28A-28C, load cell support 1566 is a generally circularintegrally formed element having a central aperture 1960 foraccommodating a screw. Outer surfaces of the load cell support 1566include an aperture bottom surface 1962, a circumferential surface 1964extending upwardly from bottom surface 1962 and terminating in adownward-facing annular surface 1966, thereby defining a circumferentiallocating shoulder 1968 which seats in a correspondingly configuredportion of corner recess 1562. Extending upwardly from annular surface1966 is a circumferential surface 1970 which extends to a top annularsurface 1972. A pair of upstanding load cell locating protrusions 1974extend upwardly from top annular surface 1972. A pair of sideprotrusions 1976 extend laterally from each of protrusions 1974. A pairof rotational locating protrusions 1980 extend radially outwardly inopposite directions from circumferential surface 1964.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 29A-29E, which are simplifiedillustrations of outer drive shaft assembly 1900 forming part of theaxially displaceable rotary drive assembly 1530 of FIGS. 26A-26E. Asseen in FIGS. 29A-29E, the outer drive shaft assembly 1900 includes anouter drive shaft housing element 2000 and an outer drive shaft lockingengagement element 2002, which is partially seated within outer driveshaft housing element 2000. FIG. 29D illustrates outer drive shaftassembly 1900 in an extended operative orientation which occurs whenMMIDD 1000 is at rest or when AC motor 1904 is solely engaged in rotarymotion. FIG. 29E illustrates the outer drive shaft assembly 1900 in aretracted operative orientation during axial displacement of the axiallydisplaceable rotary drive assembly 1530.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 30A-30D, which are simplifiedillustrations of outer drive shaft housing element 2000, forming part ofthe outer drive shaft assembly 1900 of FIGS. 29A-29E. As seen in FIGS.30A-30D, the outer drive shaft housing element 2000 is a generallyelongate upstanding element having a base 2010, a generally cylindricallower portion 2012, extending upwardly from base 2010, a tapered portion2014 extending upwardly from generally cylindrical lower portion 2012and terminating in an intermediate cylindrical portion 2016, whichextends to a slightly narrower upper cylindrical portion 2018 anddefines therewith a shoulder 2020.

A vertically splined top generally cylindrical portion 2022 extendsupwardly from cylindrical portion 2018 and is configured for engagementwith a correspondingly configured drive shaft engaging wall 414 of bladeelement 160. A throughgoing transverse bore 2024 is formed incylindrical lower portion 2012 above base 2010 and a throughgoing slot2026 is formed in an upper portion of cylindrical lower portion 2012,tapered portion 2014, intermediate cylindrical portion 2016 and uppercylindrical portion 2018. Slot 2026 is configured to accommodate outerdrive shaft locking engagement element 2002.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 31A-31C, which are simplifiedillustrations of outer drive shaft locking engagement element 2002,forming part of the outer drive shaft assembly 1900 of FIGS. 29A-29E. Asseen in FIGS. 31A-31C, outer drive shaft locking engagement element 2002preferably comprises a unitary side to side symmetric element formed ofspring steel.

Element 2002 preferably includes a central bridge portion 2030 includinga cross beam portion 2032 and a pair of upstanding side portions 2034.The bottoms of upstanding side portions 2034 each extend through acurved bent portion 2036 to a slightly outwardly tapered upwardlyextending portion 2038. Portions 2038 each extend via an inwardlytapered section 2040 to an upstanding top portion 2042 having, at a topedge 2044 thereof, an outwardly extending protrusion portion 2046.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 32A-32D, which are simplifiedillustrations of motor support bracket assembly 1902 forming part of theaxially displaceable rotary drive assembly 1530 of FIGS. 26A-26E.

As seen in FIGS. 32A-32D, motor support bracket assembly 1902 is agenerally cylindrical assembly, which includes a support bracket element2100 onto which is mounted an annular sealing ring 2102. Support bracketelement 2100 includes a top planar generally circular wall 2104 having atop surface 2106 and a central aperture 2108.

A raised annular wall surface 2110 surrounds central aperture 2108.Surrounding raised annular wall surface 2110 is a slightly lower raisedannular wall surface 2112, which defines a circumferential shoulder 2114therewith. Wall surface 2112 terminates at a radially outward edgethereof in a depending circumferential wall 2116, which in turn extendsto a recessed annular surface 2118, which lies in a plane below that oftop surface 2106.

Recessed annular surface 2118 is delimited at its radial outward extentby a circumferential wall 2120, which extends to top surface 2106 and isconcentric with circumferential wall 2116 and defines therewith anannular recess 2122. Annular sealing ring 2102 is seated in annularrecess 2122 and is preferably positioned in touching engagement withcircumferential wall 2120 and is spaced from circumferential wall 2116.Annular sealing ring 2102 preferably extends slightly above top surface2106 but lies below raised annular wall surface 2110.

A plurality of bolt mounting holes 2130 are preferably formed in wall2104 for accommodating motor mounting bolts (not shown), which bolt ACmotor 1904 to motor support bracket assembly 1902.

A plurality, preferably three, of pin receiving shaft portions 2140 arepreferably arranged about top wall 2104 and are arranged for slidablyreceiving pins 1780 of top element 1650.

Extending downwardly from top planar generally circular wall 2104 in agenerally circular cylindrical arrangement are a plurality of dependingwall sections 2150, some of which preferably surround pin receivingshafts 2140.

Depending wall sections 2150 preferably all terminate at a generallycircumferential planar wall surface 2170, from which depends in turn, agenerally cylindrical wall portion 2180. Wall sections 2150, togetherwith top planar circular wall 2104 and generally circumferential planarwall surface 2170, define an array of ventilation apertures 2184. Thearray of ventilation apertures 2184 is generally mutually aligned withthe array of ventilation apertures 1732 formed in top element 1650 ofmotor housing and support assembly 1510.

Protruding from generally cylindrical wall portion 2180 are a pluralityof spindle guiding shaft portions 2190, which extend below a bottom edge2192 of cylindrical wall portion 2180. Each of spindle guiding shaftportions 2190 preferably defines a vertical bore 2194, each of whichterminates adjacent a lower edge 2196 of the spindle guiding shaftportion 2190 in a widened spring seat 2198 for accommodating a coilspring 1908.

Interiorly of cylindrical wall portion 2180 there are provided two pairsof mutually perpendicular planar upstanding wall surfaces 2200, whichare configured to receive corresponding side surfaces of AC motor 1904.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 33A and 33B, which are simplifiedrespective upward facing and downward facing pictorial viewillustrations of modified standard AC motor 1904, forming part of theaxially displaceable rotary drive assembly 1530 of FIGS. 26A-26E. Asseen in FIGS. 33A and 33B, the AC motor 1904 is generally a modelEU9537-1201, manufactured by Euroka Electrical of Dongguan, China, andhas a drive shaft 2202 having specially configured drive shaft top andbottom ends 2210 and 2220.

As seen in FIG. 33A, drive shaft top end 2210 is configured to have anuppermost portion 2230 having a generally elongate rectangular crosssection, which terminates in a pair of coplanar side surfaces 2232.Underlying the uppermost portion 2230 and side surfaces 2232, the driveshaft top end 2210 includes an intermediate cylindrical portion 2234,which terminates in an annular planar surface 2236. Underlyingintermediate cylindrical portion 2234 is the remainder 2238 of the driveshaft top end 2210 which has a slightly larger cross section than thatof intermediate cylindrical portion 2234 and defines therewith ashoulder 2240.

As seen in FIG. 33B, drive shaft bottom end 2220 is configured to have abottommost portion 2250 having a generally uniform cross sectioncharacterized in that it includes a flat side surface 2252 and acircular cylindrical surface 2254.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 34A and 34B, which are simplifiedrespective planar side and pictorial view illustrations of spindle 1906,forming part of the axially displaceable rotary drive assembly 1530 ofFIGS. 26A-26E.

As seen in FIGS. 34A & 34B, spindle 1906 preferably is an elongateelement formed by injection molding of a plastic sheath 2260 over anelongate steel rod 2262. Spindle 1906 preferably includes a gear portion2264 at a top end 2266 thereof. Below gear portion 2264 is a generallycylindrical portion 2268 which terminates in a helically threadedportion 2270, which terminates in a cylindrical bottom portion 2272.Preferably, generally cylindrical portion 2268 is formed along part ofthe extent thereof with an elongate side protrusion 2274.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 35A-35E, which are simplifiedillustrations of motor lifting element 1910 forming part of the axiallydisplaceable rotary drive assembly 1530.

As seen in FIGS. 35A-35E, motor lifting element 1910 includes aplurality of upstanding internally threaded spindle receiving sockets2300 which are disposed about a generally planar annular wall 2302,preferably having circumferential and radial reinforcement ribs 2304 and2306, respectively, and defining a central ventilation aperture 2308.Disposed centrally of central ventilation aperture 2308 is a linearlydisplaceable ventilating element positioning hub 2310. The purpose ofventilating element positioning hub 2310 is to correctly azimuthallyposition blade element 160 upon lowering of axially displaceable rotarydrive assembly 1530, such that the blade element 160 accurately seats indownwardly-facing blade receiving recess 310 of lid 140. This isachieved by correctly azimuthally positioning ventilating element 1916,which is rotationally fixed to drive shaft 2202, which in turn isrotationally fixed to blade element 160.

Ventilating element positioning hub 2310 is preferably configured tohave a planar wall 2312, which is integrally formed with inner portionsof radial reinforcement ribs 2306. Extending downwardly from planar wall2312 is an outer circumferential wall 2314, interiorly of which is aninner circumferential wall 2316 having a pair of outer facing verticalelongate side slots 2318 for receiving a corresponding pair of interiorribs of linear to rotary converting adaptor 1912 thereby to lock linearto rotary converting adaptor 1912 against rotation relative to motorlifting element 1910.

Inner circumferential wall 2316 terminates at a downward facing edge2320 adjacent which is provided a pair of protrusions 2322. Inwardly ofedge 2320 is a circumferential wall 2330 having a bottom edge 2332defining a pair of symmetric downward facing teeth 2334, each of whichhas a pair of inclined tooth surfaces 2336 which meet at a point 2338.It is also noted that protrusions 2322 also serve to lock linear torotary converting adaptor 1912 against linear disengagement from tomotor lifting element 1910.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 36A-36E, which are simplifiedillustrations of linear to rotary converting adaptor 1912, forming partof the axially displaceable rotary drive assembly 1530 of FIGS. 26A-26E.

As seen in FIGS. 36A-36E, the linear to rotary converting adaptor 1912comprises an outer cylindrical wall 2350 and an inner cylindrical ring2352, arranged interiorly of the outer cylindrical wall 2350 adjacentthe top thereof and attached thereto by integrally formed verticallyextending interior ribs 2354. Interior ribs 2354 each have an inclineddownward facing end surface 2356, presenting a progressively lowersurface portion from a leading edge 2358 to a trailing edge 2360thereof.

Outer cylindrical wall 2350 defines a shoulder 2362 adjacent a bottomedge thereof, which shoulder, together with inner cylindrical ring 2352provides a spring seat for accommodating spring 1914.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 37A-37H, which are simplifiedillustrations of linearly driven rotating ventilating element 1916forming part of the axially displaceable rotary drive assembly 1530 ofFIGS. 26A-26E.

As seen in FIGS. 37A-37H, linearly driven rotating ventilating element1916 preferably includes an outer cylindrical wall 2400 to which areconnected integrally formed outer edges of a plurality ofcircumferentially distributed generally radially extending vanes 2402.Preferably, there are provided a pair of recesses 2404 interior of outercylindrical wall 2400 for retaining magnets (not shown) which may servefor sensing the rotational velocity of the rotating ventilating element1916.

Inner edges of vanes 2402 are joined to an inner cylindrical wall 2406,which terminates at a downward-facing edge thereof in a planar,generally circular wall 2408 having formed at a center thereof a socket2410, which is configured to lockably receive bottom end 2220 of driveshaft 2202.

Surrounding socket is an inner circular cylindrical wall 2420 definingan outer cylindrical wall surface 2422. Extending outwardly fromcylindrical wall surface 2422 are a pair of protrusions 2424, each ofwhich has an inclined upward surface 2426, presenting a progressivelyhigher surface portion from a leading edge 2428 to a trailing edge 2430thereof. Protrusions 2424 interact with end surfaces 2356 of interiorribs 2354 of linear to rotary converting adaptor 1912.

Interiorly of cylindrical wall surface 2422 is a circumferential wall2440 having a top edge 2442 defining a pair of symmetric upward facingteeth 2444, each of which has a pair of inclined tooth surfaces 2446which meet at a point 2448. Teeth 2444 interact with teeth 2334 of motorlifting element 1910.

Reference is now made to FIG. 38 , which is a simplified compositesectional illustration taken along a section line XXXVIII-XXXVIII inFIG. 19C illustrating various operative orientations in the operation ofthe vertically displacing rotary drive motor assembly 1430 of FIGS.19A-19F, and to FIGS. 39A, 39B, 39C and 39D, which are sectionalillustrations taken along section line XXXVIII-XXXVIII in FIG. 19C,showing the vertically displacing rotary drive motor assembly in thefour operative orientations represented in FIG. 38 . It is appreciatedthat the various vertical displacements described hereinbelowareproduced by the operation of spindles 1906 driven by auxiliary rotarydrive motor 1520 via rotary drive gear 1500.

In the leftmost portion of FIG. 38 , designated as I, and shown indetail in FIG. 39A, the vertically displacing rotary drive motorassembly 1430 of FIGS. 19A-19F is in its rest position. In the restposition, shown in portion I of FIG. 38 , the axially displaceablerotary drive assembly 1530 is in its lowest vertical position, such thatthe motor lifting element 1910 is at its lowest vertical position, suchthat teeth 2334 of the motor lifting element 1910 operatively engagecorresponding teeth 2444 of linearly driven rotating ventilating element1916 such that inclined surfaces 2336 of teeth 2334 slidingly engagecorresponding inclined surfaces 2446 of teeth 2444.

It is seen that linear to rotary converting adaptor 1912 is in itshighest vertical position, relative to motor lifting element 1910,against the urging of spring 1914.

For purposes of reference, the top surface of generally cylindrical topportion 1452 of base housing 1400 is indicated to lie in a planedesignated A. The top surface of vertically splined top generallycylindrical portion 2022 of drive shaft assembly 1900 is indicated tolie in a plane designated B, parallel to plane A. The bottom surface ofgenerally planar annular wall 2302 of motor lifting element 1910 isindicated to lie in a plane designated C, parallel to planes A and B.The bottom surface of planar, generally circular wall 2408 of linearlydriven rotating ventilating element 1916 is indicated to lie in a planedesignated D, parallel to planes A, B and C.

In the next to leftmost portion of FIG. 38 , designated as II, and shownin detail in FIG. 39B, the vertically displacing rotary drive motorassembly 1430 of FIGS. 19A-19F is in a lower intermediate position. Inthe lower intermediate position, as shown in portion II of FIG. 38 , theaxially displaceable rotary drive assembly 1530 is in a relatively lowbut not lowest vertical position, such that the motor lifting element1910 is raised from its lowest vertical position by operation ofspindles 1906, while teeth 2334 of the motor lifting element 1910 stilloperatively engage corresponding teeth 2444 of linearly driven rotatingventilating element 1916 such that inclined surfaces 2336 of teeth 2334slidingly engage corresponding inclined surfaces 2446 of teeth 2444.

It is seen that linear to rotary converting adaptor 1912 remains in itshighest vertical position, relative to motor lifting element 1910,against the urging of spring 1914.

Raising of the motor lifting element 1910 provides corresponding raisingof motor support bracket assembly 1902 under the urging of coil springs1908. Inasmuch as AC motor 1904 is fixedly attached to motor supportbracket assembly 1902, the AC motor 1904 is corresponding raised suchthat the top surface of vertically splined top generally cylindricalportion 2022 of drive shaft assembly 1900, plane B, is raised relativeto plane A as indicated by an arrow 2510. It is appreciated that thebottom surface of generally planar annular wall 2302 of motor liftingelement 1910 in plane C and the bottom surface of planar, generallycircular wall 2408 of linearly driven rotating ventilating element 1916in plane D are also raised relative to plane A as indicated by arrows2512 and 2514, respectively, to a vertical extent generally identical tothe raising of plane B relative to plane A.

In the next to rightmost portion of FIG. 38 , designated as III, andshown in detail in FIG. 39C, the vertically displacing rotary drivemotor assembly 1430 of FIGS. 19A-19F is in an upper intermediateposition. In the upper intermediate position, as shown in portion III ofFIG. 38 , the motor support bracket assembly 1902 is at its highestposition. The motor lifting element 1910 of axially displaceable rotarydrive assembly 1530 is in a relatively high but not highest verticalposition.

It is seen that linear to rotary converting adaptor 1912 remains in itshighest vertical position, relative to motor lifting element 1910,against the urging of spring 1914.

Inasmuch as AC motor 1904 is fixedly attached to motor support bracketassembly 1902, the AC motor 1904 is corresponding raised such that thetop surface of vertically splined top generally cylindrical portion 2022of drive shaft assembly 1900, plane B, is raised to its highest positionrelative to plane A as indicated by an arrow 2520. Accordingly thelinearly driven rotating ventilating element 1916 is in its highestposition, while teeth 2334 of the motor lifting element 1910 stilloperatively engage corresponding teeth 2444 of linearly driven rotatingventilating element 1916 such that inclined surfaces 2336 of teeth 2334slidingly engage corresponding inclined surfaces 2446 of teeth 2444.

It is appreciated that in the operative orientation shown at III, planesB, C and D have been raised further upwardly relative to plane A andrelative to their positions indicated at II. Specifically, the topsurface of vertically splined top generally cylindrical portion 2022 ofdrive shaft assembly 1900, plane B, is shifted at its maximum verticalposition relative to plane A and the bottom surface of planar, generallycircular wall 2408 of linearly driven rotating ventilating element 1916in plane D is also shifted to its maximum vertical position relative toplane A as indicated by an arrow 2522. Plane C is upwardly shiftedrelative to plane A as indicated by an arrow 2524 but is not at itsmaximum vertical position relative to plane A.

In the right most portion of FIG. 38 , designated as IV, and shown indetail in FIG. 39D, the vertically displacing rotary drive motorassembly 1430 of FIGS. 19A-19F is in its highest vertical position. Inthis position, shown in portion IV of FIG. 38 , the motor supportbracket assembly 1902 remains at its highest position. The motor liftingelement 1910 of axially displaceable rotary drive assembly 1530 israised to its highest vertical position.

It is seen that linear to rotary converting adaptor 1912 is loweredrelative to motor lifting element 1910, under the urging of spring 1914.

The top surface of vertically splined top generally cylindrical portion2022 of drive shaft assembly 1900, plane B, remains at its highestposition relative to plane A. The linearly driven rotating ventilatingelement 1916 remains in its highest position, however, the raising ofthe motor lifting element 1910 relative thereto causes disengagement ofteeth 2334 of the motor lifting element 1910 from corresponding teeth2444 of linearly driven rotating ventilating element 1916, allowingrotation of the linearly driven rotating ventilating element 1916relative to the motor lifting element 1910.

It is appreciated that in the operative orientation shown at IV, plane Chas been raised further upwardly relative to plane A as indicated by anarrow 2530 and relative to its position indicated at III. Specifically,the bottom surface of generally planar annular wall 2302 of motorlifting element 1910 in plane C is upwardly shifted relative to plane Aas indicated by arrow 2530 to its maximum vertical position relative toplane A.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 40A-40G, which are sectionalillustrations showing part of the vertically displacing rotary drivemotor assembly 1430 seen in FIGS. 39A-39D in six operative orientationswhich occur following operation of blade element 160, as the verticallydisplacing rotary drive motor assembly 1430 shifts from operativeorientation IV of FIGS. 38 and 39D back to operative orientation III ofFIGS. 38 and 39C. FIGS. 40C and 40D show the same operative orientationfrom different points of view.

FIG. 40A shows an operative orientation of axially displaceable rotarydrive assembly 1530 at a stage corresponding to operative orientation IVof FIGS. 38 and 39D in which the relative rotational orientations oflinear to rotary converting adaptor 1912 and linearly driven rotatingventilating element 1916 are such that inclined downward facing endsurfaces 2356 of linear to rotary converting adaptor 1912 nearly engagecorresponding inclined upward surfaces 2426 of linearly driven rotatingventilating element 1916.

FIG. 40B shows an operative orientation of axially displaceable rotarydrive assembly 1530 in which and the motor lifting element 1910 and thelinear to rotary converting adaptor 1912 is shifted downward, asindicated by an arrow 2550, and in which the relative rotationalorientations of linear to rotary converting adaptor 1912 and linearlydriven rotating ventilating element 1916 are such that inclined downwardfacing end surfaces 2356 of linear to rotary converting adaptor 1912engage corresponding inclined upward surfaces 2426 of linearly drivenrotating ventilating element 1916.

FIGS. 40C and 40D show an operative orientation of linearly drivenrotating ventilating element 1916 so as to rotatably reposition theteeth 2444 of the linearly driven rotating ventilating element 1916, asindicated by an arrow 2570, in FIG. 40E so that they are about to engagethe corresponding teeth 2334 of motor lifting element 1910.

FIG. 40D illustrates the interference between surfaces 2356 and 2426which produce the rotation indicated by arrow 2570 in FIG. 40E.

FIG. 40F shows an operative orientation of axially displaceable rotarydrive assembly 1530 in which the motor lifting element 1910 and thelinear to rotary converting adaptor 1912 are shifted still furtherdownward relative to linearly driven rotating ventilating element 1916as indicated by an arrow 2580 and in which the relative rotationalorientation of linear to rotary converting adaptor 1912 and linearlydriven rotating ventilating element 1916 is changed as indicated by anarrow 2590 such that inclined downward facing end surfaces 2356 oflinear to rotary converting adaptor 1912 lie alongside correspondinginclined upward surfaces 2426 of linearly driven rotating ventilatingelement 1916 and no longer interfere with engagement of teeth 2334 ofmotor lifting element 1910 and teeth 2444 of linearly driven rotatingventilating element 1916.

FIG. 40G shows an operative orientation of axially displaceable rotarydrive assembly 1530 in which the motor lifting element 1910 is shiftedstill further downward relative to linearly driven rotating ventilatingelement 1916 as indicated by an arrow 2600 and teeth 2334 of motorlifting element 1910 drivingly engage teeth 2444 of linearly drivenrotating ventilating element 1916. In this operative orientation, thelinear to rotary converting adaptor 1912 is shifted upwardly, asindicated by an arrow 2602 against the urging of spring 1914.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 41A, 41B and 41C, which are sectionalillustrations taken along section line XLI-XLI in FIG. 19D showing partof the vertically displacing rotary drive motor assembly in threeoperative orientations.

FIG. 41A illustrates an additional aspect of the operative orientationindicated at I in FIGS. 38 and 39A and shows outer drive shaft lockingengagement element 2002 in its lowest operative orientation at rest.

FIG. 41B shows upward vertical displacement of drive shaft lockingengagement element 2002, as indicated by an arrow 2610 such thatslightly outwardly tapered upwardly extending portions 2038 comes intoengagement with an inner cylindrical surface of circumferential wall1772 of top element 1650, thus forcing upstanding top portions 2042,each having at a top edge 2044 thereof an outwardly extending protrusionportion 2046 towards each other as indicated by arrows 2620 into anoperative orientation allowing the drive shaft assembly to be able toengage blade element 160.

FIG. 41C shows further upward vertical displacement of drive shaftlocking element 2002, as indicated by an arrow 2630, such that slightlyoutwardly tapered upwardly extending portions 2038 come out ofengagement with the inner cylindrical surface of circumferential wall1772 of top element 1650, thus enabling upstanding top portions 2042,each having at a top edge 2044 thereof an outwardly extending protrusionportion 2046 to spring back away from each other as indicated by arrows2640 into an operative orientation wherein the drive shaft assembly 1900is linearly locked to blade element 160 against vertical separationthereof.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 42A and 42B, which are simplifiedrespective planar side and central cross-sectional illustrations of theSUPCA 100 of FIGS. 1A-9B filled with a frozen food product, and to FIGS.43A and 43B, which are respective simplified planar side and centralcross-sectional illustrations of the SUPCA 100 of FIGS. 1A-9B filledwith a non-frozen food product. The description that follows relates touse of the SUPCA 100 and the MMIDD 1000 with a food product, it beingappreciated that SUPCA 100 and MMIDD 1000 are not limited toapplications to food products although use thereof with food products isa preferred use.

As seen in FIGS. 42A & 42B, preferably the single use container body 102includes on wall 106 thereof a transparent or translucent window, 2700,which enables a food product contained therein and a liquid level to beseen. As seen in FIG. 42A, the container body 102 preferably includesmarkings 2702 preferably indicating minimum and maximum fill levels tobe reached when adding liquid thereto. As seen in FIG. 43A, when thecontainer body 102 includes a non-frozen food product, normally noliquid filling is required and no markings are provided. Alternatively,even in the case of FIG. 43A, when the container body 102 includes anon-frozen food product, additional liquid may be added and markings2702 such as those in FIG. 42A may be provided.

It is a particular feature of the present invention that normally, theSUPCA 100 is received by the user with SUCSERDREA 120 attached theretoand intact, such that tabs 214 are in the relatively radially inwardorientation seen in enlargement A of FIG. 5A, indicating that SUCSERDREA120 has not been disengaged from container body 102. Should SUCSERDREA120 have been earlier disengaged from container body 102 or should SUPCA100 have earlier been processed by MMIDD 1000, tabs 214 are in therelatively radially outward orientation seen in enlargement B of FIG.5A, providing a visible and a machine sensible indication of prior useor tampering, which prevents subsequent processing thereof by MMIDD1000.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 44A and 44B, which are simplifiedrespective planar side and sectional illustrations of the SUPCA 100filled with a frozen food product of FIGS. 42A & 42B wherein liquid isbeing added to the frozen food product via a resealable opening in theSUCSERDREA 120 of FIGS. 2A-3B and to FIGS. 45A and 45B, which aresimplified respective planar side and sectional illustrations of theSUPCA 100 filled with a non-frozen food product of FIGS. 43A & 43Bwherein liquid is being added to the non-frozen food product via aliquid ingress opening 242 in the SUCSERDREA 120 of FIGS. 2A-3B

As seen in FIGS. 44A-45B, liquid is being added to the food productcontained in SUPCA 100 via pivotably openable liquid ingress openingcover 193, in cover 130.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 46A and 46B, which are simplifiedrespective planar side and sectional illustrations of SUPCA 100 filledwith a frozen or non-frozen food product as well as liquid, ready forprocessing by the MMIDD 1000 of FIGS. 10A-41C.

As seen in FIGS. 46A & 46B, filled SUPCA 100 is in its upstandingorientation as shown in FIGS. 1A & 1B and liquid ingress opening cover193 is closed and thereby tightly sealed.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 47A, 47B and 47C, which are simplifiedrespective pictorial, planar side and sectional illustrations of SUPCA100 of FIGS. 1A-9B filled with a food product (not shown) in anupside-down unclamped orientation in typical initial operativeengagement with MMIDD 1000 with the door assembly 1050 in an openoperative orientation. It is seen that SUCSERDREA 120 is supported onannular planar container support surface 1210 and centered thereon bytapered wall 1240 of support element 1100. A predetermined azimuthalorientation of SUPCA 100 on MMIDD 1000 is achieved by insertion offinger engagement portion 196 of cover 193 forming part of SUCSERDREA120, in SUPCA azimuthal locating channel 1250 of support element 1100.The various elements of the MMIDD 1000 are in their respective restpositions as shown at I in FIG. 38 and in FIG. 39A.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 48A-48B, which are simplified respectivefirst and second sectional illustrations of SUPCA 100 of FIGS. 47A-47Cin an upside-down unclamped orientation in operative engagement withMMIDD 1000 with the door assembly 1050 in a closed operativeorientation, prior to operation of the MMIDD 1000.

As seen particularly clearly in an enlargement B in FIG. 48B,protrusions 1604 on rotary drive gear 1500 are seated in notches 1318 ofcam element 1110 in order to transfer rotational motion of rotary drivegear 1500 to cam element 1110. The various elements of the MMIDD 1000remain in their respective rest positions as shown at I in FIG. 38 andin FIG. 39A.

As seen particularly clearly in an enlargement A in FIG. 48A, clampelements 1120 are in a retracted operative orientation, each clamp beingarranged with respect to cam element 1110 whereby a cam engagementprotrusion 1136 thereof lies at a first location 1334 of a correspondingcam channel 1330, whereby the radial extent of the upper circumferentialwall 1332 defining the cam channel 1330 is at a maximum, forcing theclamp element 1120 located in the cam channel 1330 at the first location1134 radially outwardly in pocket 1260 as shown in enlargement A of FIG.48A. This orientation of the clamp elements 1120 enables the SUCSERDREA120 of SUPCA 100 to clear the clamp elements 1120 upon insertion of theSUPCA 100 into engagement with MMIDD 1000.

As seen in enlargement A of FIG. 48B, tabs 214 of SUCSERDREA 120 whichhas not been tampered with or previously processed by the MMIDD 1000 areintact and located as shown in enlargement A of FIG. 5A. In cases whereSUCSERDREA 120 has either been tampered with or previously processed bythe MMIDD 1000, the tabs 214 are in a radially outwardly extendingoperative orientation as seen in enlargement B of FIG. 5A and thusprevent the SUCSERDREA 120 from being able to seat on annular planarcontainer support surface 1210 within tapered wall 1240 of supportelement 1100.

It is noted that when SUCSERDREA 120 is properly seated on annularplanar container support surface 1210 within tapered wall 1240 ofsupport element 1100, as seen in enlargement A of FIG. 48A, recessededges of SUCSERDREA 120 at cut outs 224 underlie edges 1134 of clampelements 1120.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 49A and 49B, which are simplified firstand second sectional illustrations, corresponding to FIGS. 48A and 48Bbut showing SUPCA 100 of FIGS. 47A-47C in upside-down partially clampedoperative engagement with the MMIDD 1000.

As seen in FIGS. 49A & 49B, the operation of auxiliary motor 1520 inoperative engagement with rotary drive gear 1500 causes rotation ofspindles 1906 which raises motor support bracket assembly 1902 producingcorresponding raising of outer drive shaft assembly 1900, while rotatingcam element 1110, which reorients clamp elements 1120 to their inwardclamping orientation as shown in enlargement A of FIG. 49A.

It is seen that the vertically splined top generally cylindrical portion2022 of outer drive shaft assembly 1900 is partially seated in a driveshaft seating recess 420 of blade element 160 as seen in enlargement Bof FIG. 49A.

As seen in an enlargement of FIG. 49B, a tab engagement protrusion 1140of clamp element 1120 operatively engages tab 214 of lid 140 in responseto clamping operation of clamp element 1120 and causes irreversibleradially outward displacement of tab 214, thereby providing single-usefunctionality for SUPCA 100.

Reference is now made to FIG. 50 , which is a simplified sectionalillustration, corresponding to FIG. 49A, but showing the SUPCA 100 ofFIGS. 47A-47C in upside-down fully clamped operative engagement with theMMIDD 1000, as seen in an enlargement A of FIG. 50 . The full clampingis a result of the clamping element 1120 being located at a lowerportion of the cam channel 1330 as the result of rotation of the camelement 1110.

It is seen in an enlargement B of FIG. 50 that the vertically splinedtop generally cylindrical portion 2022 of outer drive shaft assembly1900 is fully seated in a drive shaft seating recess 420 of bladeelement 160 but the blade element 160 remains in recess 310.

Reference is now made to FIG. 5I, which is a simplified sectionalillustration, corresponding to FIG. 50 but showing the SUPCA 100 ofFIGS. 47A-47C in operative engagement with MMIDD 1000 wherein the bladeelement of the SUPCA 100 is extended and rotatable.

As seen in FIG. 51 , the outer drive shaft assembly 1900, which is fullyseated in drive shaft seating recess 420 of blade element 160, is raisedcausing blade element 160 to be raised out of recess 310. It is notedthat the operative orientation of the elements of MMIDD 1000 shown inFIG. 51 is that shown at IV in FIG. 38 and in FIG. 39D. The transitionbetween operative orientations I and IV shown in FIG. 38 occurs duringtransitions between the operative orientations shown in FIGS. 48A and48B and FIG. 5I. A corresponding transition occurs between the operativeorientations shown in FIGS. 41A-41C. At this stage AC motor 1904 may beoperative to drive blade element 160 in rotational motion within thecontainer body 102 for processing the contents thereof.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 52A and 52B, which are simplified firstand second sectional illustrations, wherein FIG. 52A corresponds to FIG.5I but show the SUPCA 100 of FIGS. 47A-47C in operative engagement withMMIDD 1000 wherein the blade element of the SUPCA 100 is retracted afterhaving been rotated to be aligned with a blade element recess. FIG. 52Bshows an arbitrary azimuth orientation of the blade element 160 relativeto recess 310 prior to this rotation. The rotation, which may be ineither a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, as indicated by arrow2800 is produced by mechanical interaction of teeth 2334 of motorlifting element 1910 and teeth 2444 of linearly driven rotatingventilating element 1916 as described hereinabove with reference toFIGS. 40A-40G which may be preceded by a mechanical interaction ofsurfaces 2356 and 2426 of linear to rotary converting adaptor 1912 andlinearly driven rotating ventilating element 1916, respectively,depending on the precise azimuth location of blade element 160 prior torotation as shown generally in FIG. 52B. SUPCA 100 remains fully clampedto MMIDD 1000.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 53 and 54 , which are simplifiedsectional illustrations, corresponding to FIG. 52A. FIG. 53 showspartial unclamping, which is produced by rotation of the cam element1110 as driven by the auxiliary motor 1520 via rotary drive gear 1500.

It is seen in enlargement B of FIG. 53 that the outer drive shaftassembly 1900 is no longer fully seated in a drive shaft seating recess420 of blade element 160 by virtue of reverse operation of auxiliarymotor 1520 in operative engagement with rotary drive gear 1500, whichcauses reverse rotation of spindles 1906, which, in turn, lowers motorsupport bracket assembly 1902 producing corresponding lowering of outerdrive shaft assembly 1900, while rotating cam element 1110, whichreorients clamp elements 1120 to their outward non-clamping orientationas shown in enlargement A of FIG. 54 .

It is appreciated that a transition between operative orientations IVand I shown in FIG. 38 occurs during transitions between the operativeorientations shown in FIGS. 51 and 54 . A corresponding transitionoccurs between the operative orientations shown in FIGS. 41C-41A.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 55A and 55B, which are simplifiedrespective pictorial and sectional illustrations of SUPCA 100 afterremoval from MMIDD 1000 having a straw extending through strawcommunication aperture 262 of lid 140.

This completes a general description of the operation of the MMIDD 1000in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention.

It is a particular feature of the above-described embodiment of thepresent invention that leakage of liquids from the SUPCA 100 when it isin an upside-down state in engagement with MMIDD 1000 is prevented. Thisleakage prevention is preferably provided by a static/dynamic sealingproduced by the interaction of blade element 160 and lid 140, whosestructures have been described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 6A-6Eand FIGS. 5A-5M, respectively.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 56A and 56B, which are simplified centralcross-sectional illustrations of the SUCSERDREA 120 showing twooperative orientations in the static/dynamic sealing. It is noted thatFIGS. 56A and 56B are upwardly oriented in the sense of FIGS. 1A-1B.

Turning initially to FIG. 56A, it is seen that prior to rotationaloperation of blade element 160, blade element 160 is fully seated indownwardly-facing blade receiving recess 310 of lid 140. In thisoperative orientation, which corresponds to operative orientation I, astatic seal is defined by pressure engagement between static sealingsurface 480 of blade element 160 and a corresponding static sealingsurface 309 of lid 140. It is appreciated that in this operativeorientation, blade element 160 is mechanically locked to cover 130against linear mutual displacement therebetween by engagement ofdownward and inwardly facing hook protrusions 182 of cover 130 withsurface 752 of hub 150, which is in turn fixed to blade element 160.

Turning now to FIG. 56B, it is seen that prior to rotational operationof blade element 160, blade element 160 is now no longer seated indownwardly-facing blade receiving recess 310 of lid 140 by virtue ofraising of outer drive shaft assembly 1900. In this operativeorientation, which corresponds to operative orientation IV of FIG. 38 ,a static seal is no longer defined by pressure engagement between staticsealing surface 480 of blade element 160 and a corresponding staticsealing surface 309 of lid 140. However, static sealing is provided by aslight underpressure produced within the region of walls 404, 406, 414of blade element 160 and walls 294, 296 and 298 of lid 140 of SUPCA 100by virtue of raising of the blade element 160 and possibly alsoresulting from defrosting of frozen contents of SUPCA 100. Thisunderpressure, combined with capillary effects between adjacent surfacesof walls 404, 406, 414 of blade element 160 and walls 294, 296 and 298resists the leakage of liquid from the interior of SUPCA 100 through theregion defined by walls 404, 406, 414 of blade element 160 and walls294, 296 and 298 of lid 140 of SUPCA 100.

It is appreciated that in this operative orientation, blade element 160is no longer mechanically locked to cover 130 against linear mutualdisplacement therebetween by engagement of downward and inwardly facinghook protrusions 182 of cover 130 with surface 752 of hub 150. Theunlocking results from the axial force provided by raising of the outerdrive shaft assembly 1900. It is noted that, as seen in FIG. 56B, inthis operative orientation, to reduce friction, upwardly-facingpartially tapered and partially flat annular surface 288 of lid 140 islocated at a vertical distance from tapered annular radiallyoutwardly-facing surface 752 of hub 150, which is joined to bladeelement 160. It is appreciated that during normal operation of MMIDD1000 and normal handling of SUPCA 100, provision of upwardly-facingpartially tapered and partially flat annular surface 288 of lid 140prevents disengagement of blade element 160 from lid 140.

During rotational operation of blade element 160, the configurationshown in FIG. 56B is the same and here dynamic sealing is provided byvirtue of centrifugal forces resulting from the rotation of bladeelement 160 relative to lid 140.

Preferably following completion of rotational operation of blade element160, the SUCSERDREA 120 returns to the operative orientation shown inFIG. 56A.

It is appreciated that any liquid leaking from the SUPCA 100 via theSUCSERDREA 120 is preferably channeled via leak fluid egress apertures282 into sealed leaked fluid reservoir volumes 260 of lid 140.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 57A and 57B, which are together asimplified flowchart illustrating control operation of the MMIDD 1000 inaccordance with the above-described preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

As seen in FIGS. 57A & 57B, the principal steps in the operation of thesystem described hereinabove in FIGS. 1A-56B may be summarized asfollows:

Electrical power is supplied to the MMIDD 1000, as by user operation ofa power switch (not shown). The MMIDD 1000 performs an automated,computerized self-check and initialization process.

The user adds any required liquid to the filled single-use preparationcontainer assembly (SUPCA) 100 of FIGS. 1A-9B via liquid ingress opening242 by lifting cover 193.

After resealing liquid ingress opening 242 by fully lowering cover 193,the user turns the filled SUPCA 100 of FIGS. 1A-9B containing any addedliquid upside down and inserts it, in an upside-down orientation, via anopened rotatable door assembly 1050 of the MMIDD 1000 onto SUPCASCA1030of the MMIDD 1000.

The user closes the door assembly 1050 and presses the push buttonelement 1420.

The MMIDD 1000 reads and decrypts information contained in or referencedby machine readable information source 162 of the filled SUPCA 100 ofFIGS. 1A-9B. This information preferably contains some or all of thefollowing information:

A process recipe for processing of the contents of filled SUPCA 100,including, inter alia, time sequencing of rotation of the blade element160 including intended rpm, rpm threshold levels and timing;

Reference weight of the filled SUPCA 100 (RWF);

Reference weight of the liquid (RWL) to be added by the user to thefilled SUPCA 100 prior to processing by the MMIDD 1000;

Type of filled SUPCA 100 specificID;

Unique individual filled SUPCA 100 specific ID; and

Internet links to information of possible interest.

The MMIDD 1000 weighs the filled SUPCA 100 by means of load cells 1560,including any additional user added liquid and generates a MeasuredWeight Output (MWO).

Based on some or all of the above information, MMIDD 1000 confirms thatan acceptable filled SUPCA 100 has been inserted into operativeengagement therewith.

If the MWO of an otherwise acceptable filled SUPCA 100 is within apredetermined range of the sum of the RWO and RWL, the MMIDD 1000processes the filled SUPCA 100 in accordance with the process recipe.

If the MWO of an otherwise acceptable filled SUPCA 100 exceeds the sumof the RWO and RWL or is below the sum of the RWO and RWL within apredetermined range, the MMIDD 1000 modifies the process recipeaccordingly and then processes the filled SUPCA 100 in accordance withthe modified process recipe.

If the MWO of an otherwise acceptable filled SUPCA 100 is below the sumof the RWO and RWL or is below the sum of the RWO and RWL beyond thepredetermined range, the MMIDD 1000 requires addition of further liquidto the filled SUPCA 100 and prompts the user accordingly and only oncethis is done processes the filled SUPCA 100 in accordance with theprocess recipe or a suitably modified process recipe.

During operation of the MMIDD 1000, if the RPM falls substantially froma predetermined level as set forth in the appropriate process recipe,which indicates that MMIDD processing is nearly completed, MMIDD 1000enters a processing completion phase as set forth in the appropriateprocess recipe and terminates rotation of the blade element 160 andnotifies the user that filled SUPCA 100 may be removed from MMIDD 1000and consumed.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 58A & 58B, which are simplifiedillustrations of disengagement of the SUCSERDREA 120 from the containerbody 102 of SUPCA 100, in a situation where either the SUPCA 100 was notearlier processed by the MMIDD 1000 or in an alternative embodiment ofthe invention in which MMIDD 1000 did not include the tamper/reuseprevention functionality described hereinabove with reference to FIG.49B but instead relied on use of machine readable information 162 forpreventing reuse of the SUPCA 100.

As seen in FIG. 58A, prior to disengagement of the SUCSERDREA 120 fromthe container body 102 of SUPCA 100, tamper indicating tabs 110 ofcontainer body 102 are located adjacent to corresponding cam engagementsurfaces 218 of tabs 214 of lid 140 of SUCSERDREA 120.

As seen in FIG. 58B, upon rotation of the SUCSERDREA 120 in a directionindicated by an arrow 2810 relative to container body 102 of SUPCA 100,the rotational engagement of tabs 110 with cam engagement surfaces 218of tabs 214 causes tabs 214 to be irreversibly forced radially outwardlyin the direction of an arrow 2820. The transition in the operativeorientation of tabs 214 can be visualized by comparing enlargements Aand B in FIG. 5A.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the presentinvention is not limited to what has been particularly shown anddescribed hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present inventionincludes both combinations and subcombinations of various featuresdescribed hereinabove and modifications thereof, which are not in theprior art.

1-53. (canceled)
 54. A multiple motion intelligent driving devicecomprising: a product container support for receiving a productcontainer containing a product to be processed; and an electric motorhaving a drive shaft, for driving processing of said product, said driveshaft and said support being mutually linearly displaceable.
 55. Amultiple motion intelligent driving device according to claim 54 andwherein said drive shaft and said product container support are mutuallylinearly displaceable only when said drive shaft is in at least onepredetermined azimuthal orientation relative to said product containersupport.
 56. A multiple motion intelligent driving device according toclaim 54 and also comprising: an electric motor controller forcontrolling operation of said electric motor and said processing, saidelectric motor controller being responsive at least to at least onesensed parameter of said processing.
 57. A multiple motion intelligentdriving device according to claim 54 and also comprising: a housing,said product container support being associated with said housing andsaid electric motor being disposed within said housing; and a lineardisplacer assembly operative to selectably change a relative spatialorientation between said drive shaft and said product container support.58-59. (canceled)
 60. A multiple motion intelligent driving deviceaccording to claim 54 and also comprising a product container supportand clamping assembly including: said product container support; a camelement; and a plurality of clamp elements, said product containersupport rotatably supporting said cam element and pivotably and slidablysupporting said plurality of clamp elements. 61-66. (canceled)
 67. Amultiple motion intelligent driving device according to claim 54 andwherein said product container support comprises a generally circularplanar surface which is surrounded by a raised, generally annular planarcup support surface.
 68. A multiple motion intelligent driving deviceaccording to claim 54 and wherein said product container supportcomprises a spillage channel.
 69. A multiple motion intelligent drivingdevice according to claim 54 and wherein said product container supportcomprises a drive shaft accommodating aperture, which is surrounded byan upstanding circumferential rim, thereby to help prevent leaking ofspillage located on said planar surface below said product containersupport.
 70. A multiple motion intelligent driving device according toclaim 67 and wherein said cup support surface is surrounded by a taperedwall which terminates in a circumferential planar annular top andradially outwardly extending wall having a top-facing surface.
 71. Amultiple motion intelligent driving device according to claim 60 andwherein said cam element comprises a generally circular planar elementincluding: a generally circular disk having a generally planar topsurface and a generally planar bottom surface and being formed with acentral aperture; and a cylindrical circumferential wall surroundingsaid disk.
 72. A multiple motion intelligent driving device according toclaim 71 and wherein said cylindrical circumferential wall is configuredon a radially outward surface thereof with a plurality of cam channelseach arranged to operate and selectably position a clamp element.
 73. Amultiple motion intelligent driving device according to claim 72 andwherein said plurality of cam channels are each defined by a pair ofradially outwardly extending mutually spaced circumferential walls, eachof said plurality of cam channels extending from a first locationtherealong to a second location therealong. 74-76. (canceled)
 77. Amultiple motion intelligent driving device according to claim 73 andwherein operation of said cam element in causing said clamp elements toassume a clamping operative orientation is produced both by the downwardorientation of said cam channels from said first locations to saidsecond locations and by varying the radial extent of a firstcircumferential wall defining each of said cam channels relative to theradial extend of a second circumferential wall defining each of said camchannels therealong.
 78. A multiple motion intelligent driving deviceaccording to claim 73 and wherein said cam channels each have a maximumwidth between adjacent circumferential walls at said first locationtherealong so as to accommodate radial outward biasing of said clampelement within said cam channel thereat. 79-80. (canceled)
 81. Amultiple motion intelligent driving device according to claim 71 andalso comprising a generally planar annular wall surface extendingradially outwardly of said cylindrical circumferential wall and formedwith a downwardly facing circumferential leakage directing protrusion.82-102. (canceled)
 103. A multiple motion intelligent driving deviceaccording to claim 54 and wherein upon retraction of said drive shaft,said drive shaft is rotated to ensure that it is in at least oneacceptable azimuthal orientation with respect to said housing. 104-181.(canceled)
 182. A multiple motion intelligent driving device accordingto claim 56 and wherein said electric motor controller is operative tomonitor RPM of said drive shaft.
 183. A multiple motion intelligentdriving device according to claim 56 and wherein said at least onesensed parameter comprises RPM of said drive shaft.